Waitākere College celebrated outstanding student achievement at our Senior Prize Giving ceremony on Wednesday, 29 October. The evening honoured our Year 11, 12, and 13 students who excelled academically and many of whom secured scholarships for their future studies.

The ceremony was attended by special guests who joined us in celebrating the hard work, dedication, and success of our senior students.
A small collection of the photos has been included; however, the full photo album is HERE 📸

Congratulations to all our award recipients and scholarship winners. Your achievements make us incredibly proud.

The Dux Litterarum for 2025 is Gargee Joshi

Gargee is a quiet achiever whose determination, focus and self-discipline have placed her among the finest scholars of Waitākere College. She approaches every subject with independence and rigour, rarely seeking help but always making full use of the resources available to her. This ability to lead her own learning, combined with her perseverance and academic ambition, has resulted in exceptional outcomes at every level. Gargee’s achievements this year include a GPA rank score of 471 and Excellence in all internal assessments.

An exceptional linguist, Gargee has achieved Excellence in every French standard across Levels 1, 2 and 3. Her online teacher described her work as “some of the best I’ve received in New Zealand.” She has also excelled in Classics, a new subject for her this year, where her intellectual curiosity and humour enriched her writing and classroom discussions.

Beyond her academic success, Gargee contributes positively to the wider life of the school through the Indian Group, the Hockey team and as a Peer Mentor. She is respected by staff and students for her humility, warmth and integrity.

Congratulations to Gargee Joshi, an outstanding scholar and a truly deserving recipient of the 2025 Dux Litterarum.

Proxime Accessit: Wendy Guan

Wendy is an outstanding scholar whose excellence, humility and quiet determination have defined her time at Waitākere College. She has achieved at the highest academic level, gaining top scholar in both Year 13 Calculus and Statistics, and entering Scholarship examinations in both subjects. Her teachers describe her as a student of rare insight who works with independence and precision. Wendy’s strengths extend across disciplines, including outstanding work in Physics, Chemistry, Design and Visual Communication, and Art Design, where her creativity and precision shine. Beyond her academic success, she contributes generously to the school as a school librarian. Intelligent, hardworking and humble, Wendy exemplifies the best of our learners, and is a most deserving recipient of this year’s Proxime Accessit award.

The Student Representative Cup: Petra Falaniko

This cup, donated by former MP Chris Carter, recognises the student representative on the Board of Trustees. Petra has been a thoughtful and dedicated advocate for student voice, ensuring that the perspectives of her peers are heard and valued in board discussions, strengthening connections between the board and our student body, and keeping student wellbeing and learning at the centre of every conversation. Petra's service has been greatly appreciated.

ISC Year 13 Leavers Award: Leroy Ryder

Leroy exemplifies the ISC values of kindness, compassion, and respect. Since joining Waitākere College in 2023, he has made a strong impression through his positive attitude, humility, and leadership. As a Service Academy student, he has supported younger students, earning the respect of both peers and staff. Leroy brings warmth and understanding to every interaction, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment. He leads with empathy and heart, setting an example for others to follow.

ISC Senior Trophy: Khaian Masi

Khaian is a dedicated and enthusiastic student who truly lives the values of the ISC every day. He is kind, respectful, and consistently supportive of those around him. His positive outlook and willingness to help make him a role model for his peers, and his teachers commend his perseverance and strong sense of responsibility. Khaian’s energy and good humour contribute to a positive environment within the ISC. He leads by example, showing that success comes through hard work, care, and respect.

TT Garland Cup: Izrael Olsen

The TT Garland Cup recognises excellence in senior vocal performance. This year’s recipient, Izrael Olsen, is an exceptionally talented singer whose passion, confidence, and stage presence have shone throughout the year. Her standout performances as a lead in the school production of Mamma Mia! were a highlight, delighting audiences and showcasing her expressive vocal range. Izrael’s commitment to her craft and her continued musical growth set her apart as a performer with real promise.

The Dave Sarich Trophy: Teia Kahukura Peihopa-Watson

This award recognises a Māori student who has shown exceptional perseverance and achievement. Teia embodies these values through her strength, determination, and deep pride in her culture. She embraces her Māoritanga as a source of confidence and resilience. A quiet but powerful leader, she offers guidance, support and encouragement to those around her. Teia’s courage and commitment to her learning, her reo and her community reflects the true spirit of this award.

The Russell Jackson Memorial Award: Matilda Otter-Lowe

This award honours Foundation Principal Russell Jackson and recognises outstanding contribution to the life of the college. Matilda has demonstrated leadership, initiative, and civic engagement through her campaign to protect the school lunch programme. Her parliamentary petition and presentation to the Education and Workforce Select Committee demonstrated her maturity, understanding of active citizenship, and social responsibility. She is an inspiring example of youth leadership.

Service to the School: Taipua Kipa

The Service to the School Award, donated by former Waitākere City Mayor Bob Harvey, recognises significant service to the college community. Taipua’s leadership, humility, and generosity have enriched our kura. Whether mentoring peers, supporting cultural initiatives, or sharing his knowledge of te ao Māori and tikanga, he leads through action and example. His involvement in projects such as the Rathgar Rally mural initiative reflects his vision for creativity, community and connection. Taipua embodies the belief that leadership is grounded in service and has made a lasting contribution to the college.

Principal’s Prize: Jaedyne Pearl Mayion

The Principal’s Prize is awarded to the most conscientious and diligent student in the senior school. Jaedyne has achieved Excellence Endorsements at all three NCEA levels and entered six Scholarship examinations across a wide range of subjects. Her success reflects organisation, focus and determination. Beyond academics, she contributes widely through music, sport and service, playing violin in the school orchestra, competing in multiple sports, and supporting peers as a mentor and librarian. Jaedyne’s dedication and integrity exemplify the qualities of an outstanding student who contributes fully to the life of the college.

Waitākere College Staff Scholarship: Genevieve Craig, Curriculum Leader of Visual Arts

Since joining Waitākere College in 2018 as Head of Department for Art, Genevieve has grown and transformed the Art Department into a highly effective and creative team. She leads a group of four teachers who consistently deliver innovative and high-quality outcomes for students. Under her leadership, the Art curriculum has expanded to reflect student interests and needs, with senior subject offerings now including Art Painting, Design, Photography and Sculpture.

Genevieve is an accredited Impact Coach, supporting the college’s commitment to Relationship Based Learning. Her department and students have achieved NZQA Scholarships across Painting, Photography and Sculpture every year since her arrival, with many selected as national Excellence exemplars.

As a curriculum leader, Genevieve is an active and valued member of the Curriculum Leader Group, contributing strongly to the college’s vision, values and goals. Her expertise is recognised nationally through her work with NZQA. She is also an active member of the Auckland Secondary Art Teachers Association and the Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Art Educators, often speaking and leading workshops at their events.

Beyond the classroom, Genevieve contributes widely to school life. She has managed badminton teams and has supported a range of cultural groups, including Indian, African, Japanese and Roma. As a key member of the Arts and Culture Committee since 2018, she continues to foster a rich and inclusive arts culture within the college.

Genevieve’s passion for the arts, dedication to student success, and exemplary leadership make her a most deserving recipient of the 2025 Staff Scholarship.