Proud families and friends attended the Titikaveka College Prizegiving Day which was held yesterday.

Titikaveka College Parents and Teachers Association (PTA) chairperson Elizabeth Hosking said it had been a “challenging year” for the committee.

Hosking said it was good to have the support from the parents and families, particularly on Prizegiving Day which marked the end of the academic year.

With Christmas around the corner, Hosking on behalf of the PTA extended Christmas and New Year greetings to all the student, teachers and families.

“To the students, please prepare yourselves for next year and for those who are moving on to Tereora, take care of yourselves,” said Hosking.

Fifteen-year-old Rupe Seiler Mokoroa was ecstatic to receive the Year 10 Sportsperson of the Year trophy his older brother Nukumaeaea Mokoroa received in 2019.

“I’m amazed to receive the same award as my brother. I want the kids to know that even when you’re not too good at something, to keep trying and work hard,” said Mokoroa.

His proud grandparents Don and Nana (Jackson) Siliar were pleased with his achievements.

“I was quite surprised and I’m excited, we are so proud,” said his grandmother.

Mokoroa will be moving to New Zealand next year to attend military school – a dream he has wanted to pursue since he was a child.

• Melina Etches

Awards

Dux – Jacob Arbuthnott; Runner-up Dux – Selwyn Ioana-Short; 2^nd Runner-up Dux – Jadin Samuel; 3^rd Runner-up Dux – Lilian Aratangi. Most Outstanding student – Jadin Samuel; Overall Sportsperson of the Year – Jadin Samuel; Runner-up Sportsperson of the Year - Benjamin Tuakeu; ANZ Junior (Year 10) Sportsperson of the Year - Rupe Mokoroa; Year 10 Runner-up Sportsperson of the Year - Tamaiva Teinakitama; Year 7 & 8 Sportsperson of the Year - Te-Pito-O-Maui Denny. Principal’s Award: Taylor Johnston; Temuera Matata; Tau Toria Hosking-Tekoronga; Konini Kite. Year 11 Awards: Most Improved in ICT - Jonah Tepuaroa Ioteva; First in Maori - Loveinio Oti; Most Improved in Maths - Teremoana Rae; Most Improved in Science, 2^nd in DVC - Alexis Tobia; Most improved in Maori - Sidney Brown; Most Improved in Hospitality, HE, PE and 3^rd in DVC - Tavai Atuatika; Most Improved in DVC - Ngatungane Metua Area. Year 10 Awards:  Most Improved in Social Science, Food Technology and ICT, 3^rd in Textiles, 3^rd Equal in Maori, 2^nd in Maths - Lalytah Tangirere; Most Improved in Woodwork, 2^nd in Food Technology, 2^nd in English - Sara Ben Marsters; 3^rd in Woodwork - Mariul Maoate; 1^st in Woodwork, 3^rd equal in Maori, HE and PE - Tamaiva Teinakitama; 1^st in HE and PE, 3^rd equal in Maori - Romano Junior Moetaua; Most Improved in Maori and 2^nd in ICT - Jubilee Jubilee. Year 10 Top Four Overall Placing Awards: 1^st Overall - Jessica Tangirere, 4^th Overall - Arepapa Tua, 3^rd Overall Rupe Mokoroa, 2^nd Overall - Matangaro Arama, Top Overall - Hanamarie Henry.