Horowhenua Youth Excellence Scholarships were awarded to:
Emma Zussino - Academia
Emma is an outstanding, high academic achiever at Horowhenua College, who is fully involved in all aspects of her college life. Emma is a very focused and capable academic student.
In 2020, Emma gained NCEA Level 1 endorsed with excellence. In 2021 Emma continued her academic achievement by gaining NCEA Level 2 endorsed with excellence. She also achieved one subject endorsed with excellence - English and three subjects endorsed with merit - business studies, chemistry and biology. At the end of year prize giving Emma received the Level 2 prizes for 1st in biology, 1st in chemistry, 1st in English and 1st in Business studies. This was an outstanding academic performance and was topped off with Emma being awarded the Top Year 12 Academic Trophy. Emma has continued to achieve excellent academic results in 2022. This included her being chosen to participate in the Otago University Science Academy (OUASSA). This is a significant opportunity because it is only top performing science students from around NZ who are accepted into this academy programme.
Additionally, Emma is a very active and capable sports woman and talented dancer.
Next year Emma intends to study a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Marketing and Management at Auckland University. She will put the scholarship towards costs associated with study.
Anand Ranchhod - Academia
Anand Ranchhod is an extremely capable academic student who has made a significant contribution at Horowhenua College and the wider community, through acts of service.
Anand has been a role model at school and in his academic achievement as well as in the wider aspects of Horowhenua College. Anand was selected for the 2022 Prefect Team, and his capabilities were further acknowledged when he was named Head Boy.
In 2021 Anand was awarded the top level two academic student. He also received the following level two awards; 1st in Physics and Mathematics, 2nd in Biology and 2nd in Chemistry which gained him an excellence endorsement.
Outside of his Academic achievements, Anand has also significantly contributed to acts of service throughout the College and the Horowhenua Community. He has participated in a huge amount of activities, such as helping to issue out Chromebooks to Students who need them, helps distributing lunches to students during break times, helps at Open Evenings and Parent Evenings and is a regular “go to student” for staff who need support and assistance to complete a task. He is also a member of the YEP, College Student Council and is a Peer Student Leader.
Anand intends to study a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts at Auckland University. This scholarship will go towards study costs.
Eneti Tofa - Academia
Eneti has had a fantastic five years at Waiopehu College, he is a very gifted student academically and every year since Year Nine, has received an award for Academic Excellence.
Eneti is an All-rounder, not only has he received numerous academic awards over his time at Waiopehu in Mathematics – Advanced, Physics and English, he has also received multiple Awards for Music and for Service to the College.
Eneti is a valued member of the College’s Student Executive Team and currently holds the role of Head Student. He has proven to be a very capable leader and has quietly and confidently navigated this role with a maturity and organisational style that beyond his years.
Eneti is a valued member of the College’s student Executive Team and currently holds the role of Head Boy. He has proven to be a very capable leader and has quietly and confidently navigated this role with a maturity and organisational style that is beyond his years. He works extremely hard in all he does, whether that be academically or in extra-curricular activities.
Eneti has selflessly given many hours of his time to help the college live stream prizegivings and sporting events during the pandemic and also assisted Levin East School.
Eneti’s hard work throughout his college years have lead him to be recently announced as Waiopehu College’s Dux for 2022.
Eneti plans to enrol at Canterbury University in 2023 to study Physics and Mathematics. This scholarship will assist with study costs.
Amber Rollinson - Art & Culture
Amber is an Excellence Drama student at Horowhenua College. She is currently working a year ahead of her NCEA Level as she was promoted into the Level 1 Drama class in Year 10 because of her natural performance ability and her dedication to her roles.
Amber is an excellent performer, she shows dedication to her role both on and off the stage. She continuously pushes herself to progress as a person and performer and consistently makes an effort to excel in her performing and schooling.
Recently, Amber has successfully auditioned for one of 20 spots for the 2022 Kiwi All-Stars Musical Theatre Ensemble. This sees students who are a part of the first New Zealand based group from across the Motu heading to Australia in October to perform at the Junior Theatre Festival. Here they will participate in acting workshops, tours of local theatres and learn, grow and develop their skills in the performing arts.
Amber is currently looking at her career pathway and at which performing arts university will suit her talents and abilities. In the future she plans to practice music, be involved in future productions with a focus on directing as well as performing and to explore career options within this field.
This scholarship will help support Amber with Performing Arts and study costs.
Imogen Williamson - Art & Culture
Imogen is a passionate and high achieving student in the arts, at 13 years of age, she has an extensive list of achievements.
Imogen’s achievements for 2022 include;
- Playing Jeremy Potts at the Levin Little Theatre production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
- She performed in the recent productions of Frozen as Middle Elsa with the Levin Performing Arts Society
- Imogen attended the Manawatu Performing Arts Society Singing Competition and gained 1st place with her own selection and 1st in Song in Character
- And she gained an equal top mark in Manawatū, and distinction for Grade 3, Trinity College London, New Zealand.
Imogen will continue to be actively involved in musical theatre productions across the Manawatū where she will sing, dance and act and will continue to study and develop her skills and experience.
And if that is not enough, Imogen will continue playing the violin and piano both in and out of school through to tertiary level academically. She will also continue to participate in community productions, festivals and competitions.
Imogen will use the scholarship towards costs involved with singing, drama and dance lessons. Well done and congratulations Imogen.
Petesa Tomane - Art & Culture
Petesa is a Year 13 Student at Horowhenua College and holds her Pacific culture in high regard. In 2022 Petesa was selected as part of the Horowhenua College Perfect Team for 2022 and appointed as Cultural Prefect, requiring Petesa to organise, promote and facilitate cultural events within the college.
Petesa is one of the student leaders of the college’s Pacific performance group, Lototaha. This group practice for many long hours in preparation for the annual regional Pasifika Fusion competition. This competition is a highlight of the year and in 2021 Petesa was a member of Lototaha who won the Kava Bowl for the best cultural performance, in 2022 they were placed an admirable second.
Not only has Petesa been involved with Lototaha but as Cultural Prefect she has celebrated the variety of cultures represented in our college by acknowledging their language week as it occurs throughout the year. This has seen Petesa visit the college staffroom on numerous occasions and, along with other students, instruct teachers about various cultures, in particular, Pacific Island cultures. This has been hugely appreciated by staff and who enjoyed practicing language and greetings, as well as being privileged to witness cultural dances and performances in our staffroom.
Petesa plans to attend Victoria University next year. While there she intends to be part of the university Pasifika Cultural Group and participate in their Pasifika student’s first year mentoring programme. This scholarship will be used towards course related costs.
Noah Watters - Art & Culture
Noah is a Year 13 student at Waiopehu College and has been actively involved in arts and culture at college, Levin Performing Arts Society, HYPE and the Levin Little Theatre, for many years.
During this time, Noah has been a member of the college’s choir and has been involved in the school’s WHAT Show, which is an annual arts production and highlight of the calendar year in terms of performing arts. Noah has also worked both on and off the stage in various productions over his years at Waiopehu College, he has been generous with his time and commitment to Performing Arts locally.
This year Noah made his debut as director of the school production “Eating the Wolf”. Noah showed enthusiasm and leadership in directing this production and made a real impression on the students involved. Noah has also taken on a role with the Levin Little Theatre’s end of year Pantomime which is coming up soon.
Noah is an accomplished singer and is a member of the Waiopehu College Barbershop and College Choir; Sine Nominex. He attended the Big Sing Choral Competition in Palmerston where he performed in both Barbershop and Choir Competitions.
Noah plans to train as a primary school teacher, his passion for performing arts will give his career in teaching a great advantage with his wonderful talents and creativity. This scholarship will contribute towards his course costs and expenses.
Grace Purches - Community Service
Grace is a fantastic example of someone who exemplifies the characteristics of altruism and compassion. She has a genuine desire to help those in need and spends a great deal of her time doing so.
At such a young age Grace should be commended and recognized for her altruistic spirit, she involves herself willingly and unselfishly and expects no accolades. Grace has a strong desire to succeed in all that she does and supported others to do the same. She is a quiet but assured student who is well liked and respected by her peers and teachers alike.
Grace is an active member and President of the Rotary Interact Club at Waiopehu College. She is our youngest president elect but her drive and determination coupled with a maturity beyond her years has made her an excellent choice for this position.
Grace is actively involved with is Ozanam House in Palmerston North. This trust was established to provide homely accommodation for out of town cancer patients and their caregiver whilst undergoing treatment. This has led to Grace being involved in other initiatives, such as Relay for Life.
She also participates in the Duke of Edinburgh Programme and she is passionate about her own success and that of her fellow students, this is a real credit to her and her maturity.
Ali Parata - Sports
Ali Parata is a talented and passionate sportswoman and has many achievements at a high level, across a wide range of sports.
Ali was selected for the 2022 Horowhenua College Prefect Team, and was appointed to the Sports Prefect role. She promotes, organises and facilitates sports events in the college and has provided many sporting opportunities and competitions for fellow students.
Ali was named captain of the college’s 1st XI Hockey Team in 2021 and 2022, and was selected for a number of representative teams. These include U15 Girls in 2018 and 2020, U15 Girls Horowhenua in 2019, U18 Girls Manawatū in 2022 and Manawatū Māori Womens Team in 2022.
Ali has also played netball for 5 years and she has also been a very active member in the college Canoe Polo team. She was a member of our Junior Girls Canoe Polo team for 2018 and 2019, and participated in the regional and national competitions as a junior girl.
In 2020 Ali became a member of the Senior Girls Canoe Polo team, participating in the regionals and national competitions for Senior Girls Canoe Polo. She also joined the Senior Boys Canoe Polo team in 2022 participating at the Nationals competition in the Canoe Polo Seniors Open.
Ali’s goal is to be selected for the National Junior Black Sticks Hockey Team and will be putting her scholarship towards University costs.
Jessica Leota - Sports
Jess is a Year 13 student at Horowhenua College and is an extraordinary sports woman. She shows natural ability in a wide range of sports and has the capacity, through hard work and commitment, to achieve to high levels in a range of sports including netball, tennis, hockey, volleyball, cross country and athletics.
During Jess’s five years at Horowhenua College, she has been a member of the Senior A Netball team, gained MVP awards for netball in 2018 and 2019 and was named the most dedicated netball player in 2020.
In 2021 she was named the Senior A Netball MVP and in 2022 captained the team.
An accomplished tennis player, Jess has been the Levin under 18 Girls Singles Tennis Champion for the last four years. She also won trophies for the Ladies Singles Champion in 2020 and 2021 and Ladies Doubles Champion in 2020, 2021 and 2022.
Jess was the college’s Intermediate Girls Cross Country in 2019 and 2020, and went on to win the Senior Girls Cross Country in 2021 and 2022. Jess was named Senior Girls Athletic Champion this year.
Jess was named Sports Woman of the Year in 2018, 2019 and 2021 and was selected as Head Girl and Sports Prefect this year. In this role Jess has organised, promoted and facilitated sporting events within the college for fellow students.
Jess has a goal to compete in one of Wellington’s top netball teams and no doubt she will achieve this. Next year, Jess plans to attend Victoria University.
Kahurangi Skudder - Sports
Kahurangi has played representative basketball for Levin Basketball Association for a number of years and has represented the Horowhenua District and Manawatū Region.
In 2022, Kahurangi and her U15 Manawatū Basketball team, made the top eight at the Basketball Nationals. Earlier this year, she participated in the First Nations Polynesian Basketball Tournament for Tonga, and help the team win a silver medal which is something that she is very proud of.
Kahurangi has been playing rep Touch Rugby for Touch Manawatū since she was 11. This year, she was again selected and trained to play U16's at Nationals, but due to Covid, 2022 Nationals were cancelled. However, a select few from the area were chosen to attend Touch New Zealand training camps and trials. Kahurangi trialled successfully and made the New Zealand U16 Squad.
A highlight of Kahurangi’s schooling at Manukura in Palmerston North, has been Netball. She has been member of Manawatū representative teams for the last three seasons, selected in the A Teams for u14s for two years and in 2022, the u16s.
Kahurangi’s sporting talent does not stop there, she has also represented the district in athletics.
Kahurangi's dream is to receive a scholarship to play basketball and this scholarship will go towards sporting and tournaments costs.
Oliver Kennett - Sports
Oliver is a motivated and high achieving sportsman and has worked very hard to reach the top across several sporting codes.
In 2022, Oliver represented Horowhenua College and the Levin Cycling Club at the Cycling New Zealand Schools North Island Road Champs held in Cambridge. Oliver competed well and was selected for Cycling New Zealand Schools Road Nationals held in October.
Oliver has also competed at many surf lifesaving carnivals. In 2022, Oliver won Levin Waitarere Surf Live Saving Club’s Best Male competitor and will continue on his Life Guard training over the summer season.
Through the Levin Swimming Club, Oliver received trophies for Best 13yr old as well as Swimmer of the year for 2021 - 2022. Being a member of their Senior Squad, he has participated in National Age Groups in Wellington and Manawatū, Secondary School Championships & multiple local inter-club and regional meets.
Oliver is very active in open water swimming, participating in races from 2.5kms up to 5kms.
Oliver is also a member of the Horowhenua College Rock climbing and running club and competed in a triathlon at Linton Army Camp surf club.
Oliver’s goals are to swim the Cook Strait and go as far as he can in competitive swimming and cycling, with the ultimate dream of representing New Zealand.
This scholarship will go towards sports equipment and travel costs.