Students receive Sir Peter Blake awards
Two students from rural Cambridge schools have received awards for their leadership skills.
Stephanie Goonan from Te Miro School and Jacoba Gread from Roto-o-Rangi School each earned a Sir Peter Blake Trust Young Leaders Award.
They are awarded annually to students who have shown strong leadership abilities.
Te Miro principal Lisa Smith said Stephanie leads from the middle.
‘‘She is known for being responsible, respectful and trustworthy and has earned mana
‘‘Getting it made me feel more confident in myself because I know that other people think I’m a leader.’’ Stephanie Goonan
amongst her peers,’’ she said.
‘‘We know that Stephanie has many talents and passions and will no doubt achieve great things in her next few years and beyond.
‘‘The leadership skills she’s developed at Te Miro will help her to inspire others to her journey with her.’’
She said the curriculum for year seven and eight students was designed so they would learn physical challenges, acts of service, and the development of skills needed to lead a team.
It is Stephanie’s last year at the school and she will begin at Cambridge High School next year.
‘‘Getting it [the award] made me feel more confident in myself because I know that other people think I’m a leader,’’ she said.
Roto-o-Rangi School’s Jacoba Gread was chosen for her leadership skills that often matched those of Sir Peter Blake, such as her determination, resilience to overcome challenges and to succeed in the face of road blocks.
Principal Wayne Donnellon said she maintained a supportive, guiding and respectful nature when helping lead others.
‘‘Her quiet an unassuming nature did not reduce her courage to step outside her comfort zone in any forum or stop her from assuming the mantle when required.’’
Jacoba and her classmates were also treated to a visit by Logan Archer, a member of the Dream Team, who come into schools to talk about leadership.
‘‘Logan also grew up in a small country school like Roto-o-Rangi and related his life very well to the students he was speaking to,’’ Donnellon said.