The sounds of drums and joyful cheers drowned out the pouring rain as over 700 students of Tereora College celebrated the end of the academic year with their annual prize-giving event on Thursday night.

The prize giving ceremony held at the school hall also farewelled and celebrated the success of 36 final year students.

Of the over 700 students enrolled this year, only 113 senior students from Levels I to III received awards at the prize-giving ceremony.

These students were recognised for achieving three different levels of excellence and for special achievements.

The rain did not dampen the spirits of tens of families and loved ones who turned up to witness the event.

Tereora College principal Teremoana Ngaau hailed the event a success, and emphasised that “it’s all about the students”.

Katee Wearing, who received the Dux of the Year award, dominated the final year class awards, earning four excellence awards in Level III. Ferdane Penahermoso was named second to dux or top scholar, receiving the Proxime Accessit award. Following him was Stanley Tutai in third place, Maya Postrzygacz in fourth, Te Upoko Tuariki in fifth and Temuna Jacob in sixth.

In Level I, 35 students received excellence and special awards, while 45 students were honoured in Level II.

Ngaau acknowledged the staff, the Parents and Teachers Association, as well as sponsors who have made this year remarkable.

She acknowledged the final-year students, believing they would make the Cook Islands a better home in the near future.

“You will be making some of your own decisions and that’s what life is all about, making decisions, it’s about having your own dreams and creating your own journey,” the principal said.

“We would like to end here by saying, may the end of 2024 be the beginning of a lifetime of self-development and success for each and every one of you.”

The recipients of this year’s awards from all levels are not limited to the Cook Islands ethnicity, marking it another year of not only celebrating academic success but also celebrating the diversity of cultures in Rarotonga.