Teen leading the way with Duke of Edinburgh class
Working through different challenges in the Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Award programme requires perseverance and is a great opportunity to grow, a Taihape pupil says.
John Geraghty, 16, is just about to finish his Duke of Edinburgh silver award. He started it in year 9, and has been ticking off challenges and accomplishments since then.
The programme is tailored to each individual, to push them to reach new achievements.
‘‘You have to do a skill, a sport, and something for the community. You work on them for months each,’’ John says. You also have to go on an adventurous journey, and show leadership skills.
John’s skill is piano. He has been playing since he was young, but for the award challenge he ‘‘got stuck in’’. He practises for about half an hour most days, and particularly enjoys playing blues and jazz. Last year, he passed grade 6. ‘‘Every year, feels like a big step up, it doesn’t feel like a gentle transition, every year each piece becomes a lot harder,’’ he said.
For his sport he played rugby for Taihape Area School’s First XV at blind side flanker.
He has made a conscious decision to keep up his fitness by going to the gym in the off-season.
John’s service to the community was altar service for his church, St Joseph’s in Ohakune.
Most weeks he helps the priest prepare for the service. He also rings the church bell, and sometimes playing piano for the service.
Being a part of the church is important to him.
‘‘It makes me feel closer to God. I do think it’s important to listen to God, and to keep up with what’s happening in the church these days.’’
Each year the Duke of Edinburgh award programme challenges participants to take on a big adventurous journey that will stretch them.
This summer John organised
‘‘It makes me feel closer to God.’’ John Geraghty
and led a three-day tramp through the Kaimanawa Forest Park. Three other people joined him, all former and present Taihape area School pupils.
He has tramped lots before, and has been on other tramps, but being the leader was an extra step.
‘‘I learned a lot of outdoor skills, and it’s a very mental thing.
‘‘Even if you’re physically fit, it’s tough on your head if you’re out there cold and tired, but you’re the leader.’’