Fraser McAtamney
SOMETIMES being a skygazer pays off.
The world may have moved on a bit from ‘‘red sky at night’’, but everyone remains affected by the daytoday weather.
Having been brought up on a
Clydevale sheep and beef farm, Fraser McAtamney is perhaps more aware of that than most.
‘‘I’ve been interested in the weather and climate for a long time now. It’s something you can track online in a lot of detail.
‘‘I’m probably known by my friends as the goto weatherman, as I’ve got about 10 weather apps on my phone.’’
The South Otago High School deputy head boy wants to take his passion for precipitation all the way to the top.
‘‘I’d like to be a meteorologist one day. It’s an important time to be working in the whole field of climate and the environment.’’
An initial step along that path would be to study physics — his favourite subject — at the University of Otago next year.
‘‘I just find the ideas and concepts pretty interesting. It’s the science of everything.’’
For modernday scientists, communicating your ideas is of paramount importance, and the South Otago teenager is no stranger to stepping up to the platform.
‘‘I’m into acting and musical theatre.
‘‘I just like performing for people, and have done since I was younger.’’
Those stage skills had translated into several leadership roles within the school, including leading charitable and cultural events such as 40Hour Famine,
Human Rights Week, and Pink Shirt and Neurodiversity Celebration days.
Fraser hoped he could one day employ his communication and scientific skills to bring about positive change in the world.
‘‘We need to look at climate change more carefully, from a scientific perspective. It’s a very emotional issue right now. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always lead to the best solutions.’’
Achievements: Level 1 excellence endorsement including maths and geography, merit in science and English; Level 2 excellence endorsement, merit endorsement for chemistry, algebra, physics and drama; Academic Blue (2020/21); CEO of Young Enterprise Group Happy Hives (2021); lead roles in senior and junior productions; vocal and theatre sports groups; 40Hour Famine student leader (2021); Human Rights Week leader (Pride and 40 Hour Famine, 2022); Pink Shirt Day and Neurodiversity Celebration Day leader (2022); deputy head boy and school council member (2022). Role model: My parents — they’ve always been involved in the community, and have encouraged me to do the same. Hopes for the future: To become a meteorologist.