Early Childhood Education (ECE) students from Titikaveka participated in the Apii Takitumu prize-giving event held on Thursday morning at the Revival Church in Matavera.

Each class showcased their cultural talents, captivating their parents and families with engaging performances.

The event also recognised the long-standing service of teachers Tairea Vaine and Ngamata Vaine, who have dedicated years to fostering the education of youth in the Takitumu area.

Vanessa Tua-Trood from Ngatangiia was awarded the prestigious dux prize. The ten-year-old Year 6 student expressed her pride in the “hard work” she has invested in her academic studies, consistently maintaining 100 per cent school attendance, a key factor in her pursuit of the dux award.

The prize-giving ceremony concluded with a shared lunch enjoyed by parents, friends, and families.

Apii Takitumu Senior Arts Award – Eva Noovao (left), and Senior Māori Award – Paula Pepe. MELINA ETCHES/23113038

The following students were awarded prizes for their hard work and dedication:

Grade 4 Awards: Most Improved Student - Ani-Jade Caffery, High Achievers Award - Mason Matapo, Tangiiau Kirkwood, Hinamoana Olah, Elizabeth Raday, Ariiotima Peyroux, Hanikea Pau Selam; Most Outstanding Award - Hinamoana Olah.

Middle Syndicate Trophy Awards: Middle Māori Award – Hinamoana Olah, Middle Numeracy Award – Tangiiau Kirkwood, Middle English Award – Hanikea Pau Selam, Middle Sportsperson Award – Mia Gempton, Middle Arts Award – Mason Matapo, Te Kaveinga o te Apii Takitumu Award – Mia Gempton and Hanikea Pau Selam.

Apii Takitumu Junior Māori Trophy Award – Freya Savage. MELINA ETCHES/23113028

Senior Syndicate Grade 5 Awards: Most Improved Student Awards -Lyeoh Teao-Ross, Terangi Totini, Tamahahe Tisam; High Achievers Award - Moana Vogel, Xenia Nelio, Joey Urirau, Amorah Maoate, Amani Atera, Kimiravenga Trego; Most Outstanding Student Award - Amarah Gribble.

Grade 6 Vogel Awards: Most Improved Student Award - Eva Noovao; High Achievers Award - Paula Pepe, Hinano Inamata, Tiona Hunter, Aroko Kirkwood, Tehema Charlie, Arera Tupa, Izaac Latham; Most Outstanding Award - Joy Poila.

Grade 6 Taua Awards: Most Improved Student Award - Tinokura Wong; High Achievers Award - Inano Urirau, Lizzel Tautu, Kaino Gribble, Vivian Kora, Lucas Nooroa; Most Outstanding Student Award - Vanessa Tua-Trood.

Apii Takitumu Grade 3 Awards: Tai Noovao-Blake, Dayna Akarare, Te -Mutu Wichman. MELINA ETCHES/23113029

Senior Syndicate Trophy Awards: Senior Best Purua Award – Inano Urirau, Senior Māori Award – Paula Pepe, Senior Creative Writing Award – Vanessa Tua-Trood, Senior Math Award – Kaino Gribble and Tiona Hunter, Senior Arts Award – Eva Noovao, Senior Sportsperson Award – Tinokura Wong, Te Kaveinga o te Apii Takitumu Award – Joy Poila, Most Outstanding Award – Lizzel Tautu, Runner up Dux Award – Inano Urirau, Dux Award – Vanessa Tua-Trood.

Prefects Awards: Arera Tupa, Eva Noovao, Inano Urirau, Joy Poila, Kaino Gribble, Khan Manu, Lizzel Tautu, Lucas Nooroa, Tearea Hunter, Tehema Charlie, Head Girl - Vanessa Tua-Trood, Head Boy - Aroko Kirkwood.