‘Cool kid’ Cael inspires extra Kelly McGarry award
A Waimea Intermediate pupil’s positive influence on his classmates was recognised with a special presentation last week.
Cael Carrington was one of a handful of students nominated by their schools as part of the inaugural Kelly McGarry DreamBelieve-Be awards last month.
The award was conceived by Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology carpentry tutor Steve McIntyre and the family of late action sports star Kelly McGarry.
Initially presented to an NMIT trades student for their achievements, often in spite of adverse circumstances, the winner then selects one of the anonymous letters which mirrors their own – and McGarry’s – determination in pursuing their goals.
Last month Nelson College Preparatory pupil Michael Lauer was selected by winner and building apprentice Levi Mortimer to receive a brand new mountainbike.
However, after reading Cael’s submission, McIntyre arranged with local businessman Craig Boote to purchase a laptop to present as an extra award.
Such was Cael’s impact on his peers that five staff asked to contribute to the anonymous submission.
Each one spoke of his inspirational personality, humour, compassion and positivity as traits that set him apart from his peers, and set an example for others to follow.
Teacher Genevieve Sanders said having a ‘‘cool kid’’ like Cael in the classroom had a flow-on effect amongst others and he would be missed when he moves on to Waimea College next year.
‘‘It’s hard to be like that at intermediate; having that confidence to get other kids involved, and that’s why the teachers adore him too,’’ she said.
‘‘He makes our whole class gel because of who he is.’’
Cael’s mother Angela was thrilled that her son had been acknowledged for simply being himself.