Adventure awaits for Nayland College dux

Andre Castaing may have been a coach in debating at Nayland College but he’s not arguing the fact he put in the hard yards for dux this year.

‘‘It’s a combination of many years hard work and so it’s good to see that it’s been acknowledged.’’

Walking away with $400, a trophy and a medal, Castaing still has several exams to get through before he can truly focus on what’s ahead of him.

He said what was definite was a place at Otago University year where he would ‘‘probably pursue’’ a Bachelor of Science.

Commerce and first year law were also options.

‘‘I’m going to do papers that interest me and see what I like and what I don’t like from there.’’

Being involved in debating, Castaing represented Kahurangi/ Marlborough at the debating nationals and received highly commended which put him in good stead to coach juniors.

Guiding younger members of the school was a theme in his roles including helping some year 9 classes transition to high school, teaching a level 3 biology class and being a student leader.

Castaing was also the United Nations youth regional high school ambassador which meant that he was promoting UN youth events around the region.

He said being a student leader was one of his highlights as it was an ‘‘opportunity to help lots of students around the school and improve the school for future years’’.

His other great achievement of the year was representing New Zealand at the London International Youth Science Forum where there were more than 400 international delegates.

He said ‘‘really inspirational scientists from all over the world’’ spoke and talked about their research.

With high school almost behind him, he said he still had some decisions to make over summer.

‘‘It will be another adventure which I’m quite looking forward to.’’