Teen works his way toward Hillary Award

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 keeps 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.

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 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 for it, it’s pretty tough on your head if you’re out there cold and tired, but you’re the leader.

‘‘You find strength from other members I think, and from looking forward to coming out the other side - you’re pretty keen for some Maccas.’’

The tramping challenge was something he would recommend others consider trying too.

‘‘It definitely made me come out of my comfort zone. To take the lead, and communicate well with everyone in the group.’’

‘‘I think it’s really good for helping you learn, to develop those leadership skills for other things. I want to become a policeman and I think this will have really helped me because they look for those sort of things, leadership, and social skills.’’

John will start work toward his gold Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Award this year.