Former students of Tereora College have entrusted its former school to hold an art competition for students who are interested in creating a design marking the college's 130 years of providing education.

The former students had gathered and addressed their project on creating a design for the school to be carved on a stone in front of Tereora College for its 130 years celebration.

The winner of the ‘giving back to the school’ competition will formally have his or her design crafted on to a stone that will be placed in front of the school, and they will also win $600, the second place will receive $300, third place with $200.

Cook Islands artist and master carver Mike Tavioni sharing his understanding of the craft sculpture project and its purpose said after forming the association they had decided that their first project is to carve a commemorating sculpture to commemorate the history of the school.

Teina Etches, the association president shared that Tereora College opened in 1895 and was temporarily closed in 1911 until it was reopened in 1954, marking this year as the school's 130 years.

Tereora College, Principal Heather Gorrie, acknowledges the alumni who were present at the assembly, she expresses how much their contribution to the school and society has made a historical impact to their school and the people of the Cook Islanders.

She shared that having the former students contribute a historical change for the school has helped them reconnect with their past, present and future, to revisit who they are as Cook Islanders.

“It was a great opportunity for the principal as well as the students to be part of something big that will be remembered in the future.

“This project not only makes a change for the school but it can also grow that concept of being proud Cook Islanders.

“Together we honor the past, we embrace the present and we inspire the future.” She spoke. “

T-shirts of each house color, Ikurangi, Te Manga, Te Kou and Maungaroa, all representing the Anau colors of the college were presented to the school with the printing ‘The Journey’- designed to represent Tereora’s growth over the years from 1895 to present. The celebration is expected to take place in July.