Year 13 2025

This week there has been plenty of celebratory spirit around the school as our Year 13 cohort comes to the end of their time at SOHS.

These leavers and role models have made an outstanding contribution and we thank them for their hard work and service to the school. We wish them all the best for the upcoming exams and for the future. The following is a little information about each student who has finished the year. Students walked across the stage at prize giving last night where we celebrated their success and achievement. Thank you to our Year 13 parents/caregivers and whanau for your support and involvement over the years.

Year 13 Dean Cath Bloxham

Ina Ah Lam

Ina has been in the Tupulaga Group, played volleyball, participated in Polyfest, and came first in the Pasifika Voices competition. Next year she will undertake a Bachelor of Arts (majoring Mathematics) at Otago University. Tonight Ina receives a Commendable Achievement in ESOL      

Jessica Allan

Jess has been involved in peer support, student council as a PB4L prefect and netball as a player, umpire and coach. A highlight of her time was the Vietnam trip. Next year Jess will undertake a Bachelor of Teaching in Primary Education. Tonight Jessica receives her graduation certificate

Angel Aquino

Angel enjoyed the colour run and completing her Art portfolio. Next year she plans to take a gap year before heading to the Southern Institute of Technology to complete Beauty Therapy. Tonight Angel receives a Commendable Achievement in Art

Aimee Ardnt

Aimee has played Netball and volleyball, was a peer support leader and our Deputy Head Girl. Next year she will attend Otago University to undertake the Bachelor of Commerce in entrepreneurship and agriculture, planning to be a chartered accountant and start her own business. Tonight Aimee receives Merit in Mathematics, Commendable Achievement in English and the WR Stewart Scholarship - General Academic

Samatha Batt

Samantha has been a peer support leader, helped on the year 10 camp and represented our school in squash tournaments. A highlight of her time was the Vietnam trip. Next year Samantha will undertake a diploma and then bachelor of veterinary nursing at Otago Polytechnic Tonight Samantha receives The Otago Polytechnic Principal’s Leadership Scholarship 

Kane Benington

Kane has played in our first xv and first 11 cricket teams. A highlight was the Nelson under 15 tournament . Next year Kane will be completing a local apprenticeship in the building industry. Tonight Kane receives Commendable achievement in Outdoor Education

Annaliese Bisset

Annaliese has been Head Girl, Somerville House Captain, and a peer support leader. A highlight was her lead role in the school production of “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” . Next year she will begin her Bachelor of Laws at Otago University, to become a lawyer in the future. Tonight Annaliese receives Merit in Chemistry, English and History, the Gold/Morgan Cup - Academic Effort in Year 13 and the Maori Entrance Scholarship from the University of Otago

Jack Bloxham

Jack has been a mentor group and Tautuku camp leader. He enjoyed playing in the Boy's A basketball team, A highlight was being in the under 14 rugby team that won their competition. Jack will attend Otago University next year to study a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing. Tonight Jack receives Commendable Achievement in Statistics 

Nathan Bocock

Nathan has played in our football first XI and been on student council as an academic prefect. A highlight of his time was the football tournament. Next year Nathan will undertake a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering at Canterbury University planning to work in the aerospace industry or Airforce. Tonight Nathan receives Distinction in Calculus and Merit in Physics.

Jamin Bokilis

Jamin has played first XV Soccer, Senior Badminton, and been a Peer Support Leader. A Highlight was Winning Top of their soccer grade. He will attend Otago University undertaking a Bachelor of Science with a major in computer science and minor in finance with plans to work in the Cyber Security Field. Tonight Jamin receives Commendable Achievement in Digital Technology and Physical Education

Kordelia Rose Brown

Kordelia has been a peer support leader. A highlight of her time were the Thai visits. Next year Kordelia will take a gap year then continue her studies and undertake a Bachelor of Chinese and Teaching Education at University with plans to become an ESOL teacher. Tonight Kordelia receives her graduation certificate

Bree Campbell

Bree has been a member of the student council, a peer support leader, played netball and helped with the planning of this year's SNOB. A highlight of her time was the Australian netball trip. Next year Bree will undertake a Bachelor of Veterinary Science at Massey University to become a Vet. Tonight Bree receives Merit in Biology and the Balclutha Rotary Scholarship - Academic

Connie Carline

Connie has played soccer and volleyball and was previously part of the kapa haka group, she has also been a peer support leader. Highlights were the friendships and memories she made. Next year Connie will study Beauty Therapy at Otago Polytechnic with plans to be a Beauty Therapist. Tonight Connie receives Merit in Hospitality and Commendable Achievement in Statistics

Kime Castaritas

Kime enjoyed athletics, cross country and Outdoor Education activities. Next year he plans to work or gain an apprenticeship. Tonight Kime receives his graduation certificate 

Alexa Catequista

Alexa has been involved with volleyball,  badminton and the SADD committee. A highlight of her time was the SADD Conference. Next year she is planning to take a gap year to work and travel before going to University to study to become a lawyer. Tonight Alexa receives her graduation certificate

Savannah Chaplin

Savannah has played football and enjoyed the Geography trips. Next year she plans to find work locally.  Tonight Savannah receives her graduation certificate

Kailee Cooper

Kailee has been involved in Football, Badminton, and been a mentor group and peer support leader. A highlight of her time was the ski trip. Next year Kailee is attending Otago University for First Year Health Sciences with plans to pursue medicine. Tonight Kailee receives Merit in English and the JM & GM Cochrane Scholarship - All-round Effort

Ariana Cross

Ariana has been a peer support leader and a mentor group leader. A highlight of her time was the Year 13 History trip. Next year she will undertake a Bachelor of Arts at Otago University with plans to be a criminologist in the future. Tonight Ariana receives Merit in English and Geography

Ulysses Cu

Ulysses has captained the basketball team, been deputy head boy, and played football, volleyball and badminton. Highlights have been the SNOB and Sports tournaments.Next year, Ulysses will  study at Otago University to become a Physiotherapist. Tonight Ulysses receives Distinction in Physical Education, Commendable achievement in Biology, the Jones Cup - Best All-round Basketball with Luka May,  Walsh-Pasco Cup - Excellence in Year 13 Physical Education and the Leaders of Tomorrow scholarship from the University of Otago

Aleisha Davey

Aleisha has been involved in peer support, was part of the snob committee and has played for the Girls first XV rugby team. Highlights of her time were the Geography trips. Next year Aleisha will study to become an Early Childhood teacher. Tonight Aleisha receives the Freeman Cup - Contribution to Girls Rugby

Taylor Dobbie

Taylor has been captain of the girls basketball team, a peer support and  mentor group leader. A highlight of her time was playing basketball. Next year Taylor will undertake a Bachelor of Commerce (Agriculture) at Lincoln University. Tonight Taylor receives Merit in Biology and English and the Green/Barrie Trophy - Contribution to Girls Basketball

Charlie Ferguson

Charlie has played for the Senior Football Team and been a peer support leader. A highlight of his time was the Year 11 Football Tournament in Dunedin. Next year he  plans to attend Otago Polytechnic to complete the pretrade course to be an electrician. Tonight Charlie receives his graduation certificate

Matthew Fetaiai

Matthew has been part of the Big River Homes programme. He has also played rugby. Next year Matthew plans to gain an apprenticeship in the Building industry. Tonight Matthew receives his graduation certificate.

Faith Fili Fosio Vaea

Faith has been in the Tupulaga group, Pacific Voices, Polyfest , played volleyball and came 2nd at the Samoan National speech competitions. In the future she plans  to attend University or Polytechnic. Tonight Faith receives her graduation certificate

Bella Findlay

Bella has been involved with rugby and a highlight of her time was the ski trip. Next year, Bella will attend Queenstown Resort College to complete a Diploma in Hospitality Management. Tonight Bella receives her graduation certificate

Jenny Galt

Jenny has been involved with Peer Support, Canteen, Year 10 Camp, QSA,and was a Buddy for international students. Next year she plans to study for a Bachelor's degree of culinary arts at Otago Polytechnic. Tonight Jenny receives her graduation certificate

Elri Geldenhuys

Elri has played netball, captaining the side, as well as being a member of the First XV girls’ rugby team and the senior touch team. She has also been a peer support leader, council member, and student board representative. A highlight of her time was the Australian netball trip. Next year, Elri will be undertaking an accounting course at Shand Thomson, with plans to become a Chartered Accountant in the future. Tonight Elri receives the Sharon Carruthers Cup - Netball Leadership Contribution with Emmy Marshall, the Amanda Guthrie Trophy - All-round Excellence Sport and a Blue - Netball

Finn Gilder

Finn captained our first fifteen, has been a peer support leader and played touch rugby. A  highlight was the under 15 tournament. Next year he gained a local Building apprenticeship. Tonight Finn receives Commendable Achievement in Outdoor Education and the JJ Franklin Trophy - Rugby Contribution to 1st XV

Isabella Goddard

Isabella has played Basketball and been a mentor leader. A highlight was the Year 10 trip to Queenstown. Next year Bella plans to study Midwifery at Otago Polytechnic. Tonight Bella receives Commendable Achievement in English 

Willow Goodwin

Willow has been involved in girls rugby, peer support and the snob committee. Highlights of her time were the Geography trips. Willow will work as a rousie over the summer and in the future  plans to go into the early childhood sector. Tonight Willow receives  her graduation certificate

Maddie Grinton

Maddie was on our SNOB committee, a mentor and peer support leader.The geography trips were highlights. Next year she plans to study with Te Rito Maioha to become a primary school teacher. Tonight Maddie receives Commendable achievement in Geography and Statistics

Monica Hahn

Monica has played in our First XI football team, been a member of the SADD Committee and a peer support leader. A highlight of her time was the Stewart Island Trip. Next year Monica will undertake Bachelor of Laws studies at Otago University with plans to pursue a career in the legal field. Tonight Monica receives the 150th Entrance Scholarship from the University of Otago

Crystal Harris

Crystal has been a mentor leader, she enjoyed her gateway course where she gained dairy farming experience. In the future she plans to become a farmer.Tonight Crystal receives her graduation certificate

Morgan Huddleston

Morgan has played for our First 15 rugby and First 11 cricket teams and been a peer support leader. A highlight of his time was the under 15 rugby tournament. Next year Morgan will undertake a Bachelor of Construction at Otago Polytechnic. Tonight Morgan receives Distinction in Accounting and  Commendable achievement in History 

Elliott Hunter

Elliot has played rugby and touch and been a peer support leader. A highlight of his time was winning the under 14 Rugby championship. Next year Elliot will undertake a Bachelor of Commerce (Agriculture) at Lincoln. with plans to work for the US border patrol in the Dirtbike sector before pursuing a career in agriculture. Tonight Elliott receives Merit in Materials & Processing Technology and Outdoor Education and the Taylor Cup - Contribution to Outdoor Activities

Courtney Jelley

Courtney has played in our girls first XV rugby team and been an athletics champion. A highlight of their time was shaving their head for shave for a cure. Next year Courtney will be working with plans to travel abroad in the future Tonight Cortney receives Distinction in art and the Michelle McIver Cup - Best Artwork for the Year

Rosemary Johnston

Rosemary has enjoyed studying Art and Japanese. A highlight of her time here was the Geography trip. Next year, Rosemary will undertake Bachelor of Arts studies at Otago University. Tonight Rosemary receives Distinction in Japanese

Poppy Johnstone

Poppy has played netball, been captain of the girls first XI hockey team and has been a leader on council. A highlight of her time was as a Tautuku leader. Next year Poppy will undertake a Bachelor of Science at Otago University. Tonight Poppy receives Commendable achievement in Physics and the Carol Scott Cup - Senior Girls Swimming Champion

Callum Leeds

Callum has played in our First xv rugby team as well as being in our school touch team. A highlight was winning the under 14 rugby championship. Next year Callum will undertake a Bachelor of Applied Science studies at Otago Polytechnic. Tonight Callum receives his graduation certificate

Ma Elizabeth Maggay

Ma Elizabeth has played badminton and been a peer support leader. A highlight was the SNOB. She intends to pursue a degree in nursing with a goal of becoming a military nurse, she would like to serve others with dedication and compassion. Tonight Ma Elizabeth receives Distinction in ESOL and Commendable achievement in Ready to Work

Christine Malasan

Christine has enjoyed the colour run and Year 12 outdoor education rock climbing trip. Next year she will undertake the Certificate in Hotel Management at the Southern Institute of Technology.Tonight Christine receives her graduation certificate

Reed Malone

Reed has been a leader on our student council, Sutherland house captain, camp and peer support leader as well as playing rugby and a member of the A basketball team. Next year Reed will work locally and travel to Australia to pursue further employment opportunities contracting or in the mines. Tonight Reed receives his graduation certificate

Xavier Marchant

Xavier enjoyed playing football and was  involved in peer support, Highlights were the outdoor education trips. Next year he is going to further his firefighting career and qualifications and become an apprentice builder. Tonight Xavier receives the McInnes Cup = Football most improved player

Victoria Mata

Victoria has enjoyed the Polyfest and speech competitions. Next year she plans to find work locally. Tonight Victoria receives Merit in Hospitality

Roberto Matos

Roberto has enjoyed school and the friends that he has made. Next year he plans to work locally and would like to have a career in the hospitality industry. Tonight Roberto receives his graduation certificate.

Luka May

Luka has been our head boy, a member of the First XV, our Senior A Basketball  and Touch teams. A highlight was 4th at touch Nationals. Next year Luka will attend Otago University to complete a Bachelor of Science with plans to be a PE teacher. Tonight Luka receives the Jones Cup - Best All-round Basketball with Ulysses Cu,  Maureen Donnelly Cup - Senior Boys Swimming Champion and the Maori Entrance Scholarship from the University of Otago

Riley May

Riley has played in our first XI soccer team, was school trap shooting champion for the past three years, and has been a peer support leader. A highlight was the year 13 geography trip. Next year Riley will undertake a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering at Otago Polytechnic with plans to move into the agricultural sector. Tonight Riley receives Merit in Materials & Processing Technology

Lilly Maybee

Lilly has been involved with drama productions, and was a leader for peer support and yr 10 camp. One of her highlights was the History trip to Queenstown. Lilly will be taking a gap year, before hoping to take up further studies with her writing. Tonight Lilly receives her graduation certificate

Ella McCarthy

Ella has been involved in the kapa haka and korimako groups, peer support and production. A highlight of her time was going on the World of Wearable Arts trip to Wellington. In the future she hopes to help people in some way, either physically or mentally. Tonight Ella receives her graduation certificate

Gabriel McCone

Gabriel has played in our first football team and has been a leader on the council. A highlight of his time was the Linwood football tournament. Next year Gabriel will undertake a Bachelor of Engineering with Honours at the University of Canterbury with plans to be a civil engineer in the future. Tonight Gabriel receives Commendable Achievement in Calculus and History and the Canterbury University Scholarship

Ella Mckenzie

Ella showed leadership with open night and the snob committee. A highlight was snob night. Next year Ella will be studying  Beauty Therapy at the Southern Institute of Technology. Tonight Ella receives her graduation certificate

Kane McLaughlan

Kane has been a leader through peer support, Year 10 camp, working backstage on school production, and as a Thai buddy. A highlight of his time were school camps.Next year, Kane will take a gap year with plans to pursue a career as a pilot. Tonight he receives Commendable Achievement in Hospitality and Science

Hanz Mercurio

Hanz has been involved with sports such as badminton and enjoyed the Biology trip. In the future he plans to attend University and travel back to the Philippines. Tonight Hanz receives his graduation certificate

Kaitlin Miller

Kaitlin has been involved in netball and rugby and also played for Otago Māori Rugby. A highlight of her time was the Vietnam and Outdoor education trips. Next year, Kaitlin plans to complete a Diploma in Adventure Tourism at Queenstown Resort College. Tonight Kaitlin receives her graduation certificate

Lucy Milne

Lucy has been involved in peer support and was a part of the snob committee. A highlight of her time were the history and geography trips. Next year Lucy plans to study towards becoming a Primary School Teacher. Tonight Lucy receives a Commendable Achievement in History

Olivia Moffat

Olivia has played netball and been a peer support leader.Highlights from her time were the snow caving and Vietnam trips. Next year, Olivia will be studying towards a Diploma in Hospitality Management and Event Planning at Queenstown Resort College. Tonight Olivia receives Commendable Achievement in Physical Education

Katie Murray

Katie has been involved with the First 11 football, and the student council. Highlights from her time include the Geography trips to Stewart Island and Mount cook. Next year she is planning to go to University and study a Bachelor of Arts in Geography. Tonight Katie receives Commendable Achievement in Geography and Science and the D. Bouman Trophy - Girls Football - most dedicated player

Toby O’Connor

Toby has been a peer support leader. A highlight of his time here has been the Vietnam trip. Next year Toby will be studying Health Sciences First Year at Otago University with plans to have a career in medicine. Tonight Toby receives Merit in Statistics

George Ouyang

George has been a leader on the Student council, MacDonald house captain and involved in school badminton. He enjoyed the Year 13 History trip. Next year George will undertake a double degree in software engineering and finance at Otago University. Tonight George receives Distinction in Chemistry,  Merit in Calculus, History and Physics, Blue - Academic and Chancellor’s Scholarship from the University of Otago

Johnston Phillips

Johnston has been involved in Rugby, cricket, basketball and volleyball and enjoyed his time playing rugby. He was on student council and a lead in the performance of chitty chitty bang bang. Johnston plans to study aviation engineering in Nelson to become an aircraft engineer. Tonight Johnston receives The Jory Cup - Senior Drama

El-Shaddai Pouniu

El Shaddai has been a leader in the Tupulaga group, he enjoyed the Polyfest and Volleyball. Next year he plans to pursue opportunities with rugby league in Australia with the Penrith Panthers. Tonight El-Shaddai receives his graduation certificate

Julia Racho

Julia has been part of the vocal group, she enjoyed The Big Sing and SNOB. Next year, she will head to the Southern Institute of Technology to study to become a nurse. Tonight Julia receives Distinction in ESOL and the Balclutha Rotary Scholarship - Vocational

Jayden Scott

Jayden has enjoyed his time at school, a highlight was the year 13 Geography trip. Next year he plans to further his education. Tonight Jayden receives his graduation certificate.

Kade Semmens

Kade has played for our First Fifteen and been involved with the Big River Homes programme. Next year Kade plans to work and gain an apprenticeship in the future. Tonight Kade receives his graduation certificate

Ella Senior

Ella has been involved in peer support and played for the girls first XV. A highlight of her time were the Outdoor and Geography trips. Next year Ella will undertake a Bachelor of Land and Property Management at Lincoln University. Tonight Ella receivers her graduation Certificate

Arsheed Shah

Arsheed has played football and been part of peer support. Next year he plans to gain employment locally. Tonight Arsheed receives his graduation certificate.

Joshua Shore

Josh has been the First XV vice captain, Touch Team captain and a peer support leader, A highlight was going away to secondary schools touch nationals. Next year he is attending Lincoln University to study a diploma in agriculture. Tonight Joshua receives Merit in Outdoor Education, the Faddes Family Cup - Touch most promising player, The Carmichael Trophy - Rugby Significant Achievement, the Vance Latta Memorial Cup - Sport Excellence and Blues for - Rugby and Touch

Leo Shotton Monaghan

Leo has enjoyed school trips to both Vietnam and New York. He has also assisted in the canteen. Next year Leo plans on attending Otago University to study for a degree in Anthropology. Tonight Leo is receiving his graduation certificate

Ashley Simmonds

Ashley has played in our First 11 Football, captaining the team this year.Highlights of his time were the tournaments. Next year Ashley plans to gain experience in the workplace. Tonight Ashley receives Merit in Digital Technology, Commendable achievement in Chemistry, the Signworks Trophy - Football Most valuable player and the Aaron Lloyd Award - Excellence in IT Technology

Chantal Smales

Chantal has been involved in Netball and Basketball, been a peer support leader and a link student. A highlight were the Vietnam and ski trips. Next year Chantal is planning to go to Wellington to train to become a radiation therapist. Tonight Changal receives Distinction in Biology and Merit in Physical Education

Dakota Smith

Dakota has been a peer support leader, helped  backstage for production and was a Thai buddy. A highlight of her time was the History trip. Next year she is taking a gap year and will study nursing in the future. Tonight Dakota receives her graduation Certificate

Tobie Sneddon

Tobie has played for our First 11 hockey team. Next year he plans to attend Otago Polytechnic to complete studies in Electrical Engineering. Tonight Tobie receives the Hayes Trophy - Most outstanding senior Hockey player

Okalani Solomon

Okalani has been a peer support leader and helped at camp. A highlight of her time was attending a beauty therapy course. Next year Okalani plans to take a gap year and travel before going on to further study. Tonight Okalani receives Commendable Achievement in Hospitality

George Souness

George has been a leader with peer support. He has enjoyed his computing work. Next year George  plans to work and would like to use his skills in digital technology. Tonight George receives Commendable Achievement in Calculus and Chemistry

Kayla Southey

Kayla was her mentor group leader and enjoyed the Geography trip. Next year, Kayla plans to find work and gain experience in office administration. Tonight Kayla receives Commendable Achievement in Geography

Atonio Su’a

Atonio has enjoyed Polyfest and being part of Tupulaga and Pacific Voices. Next year he will attend Otago Polytechnic to study Engineering. Tonight Atonio receives Commendable Achievement in Building Technology

Hunter Taylor

Hunter has been involved with orchestra, music and the student commonwealth heads of government. A highlight of his time was as a leader on tautuku camp. Next year he plans to undergo training in the New Zealand Defence Forces with future plans for a role in the Royal New Zealand Air Force. Tonight Hunter receives his graduation certificate

James Uren

James has played for the boy’s football team for 4 years.  A highlight of his time were the tournaments. Next year James plans to undertake Bachelor of Arts studies at Otago University. Tonight James receives Commendable Achievement in Geography, History, Statistics and Ready to Work

Henry Villar

Henry has been a member of the basketball A team and has also served as Sports Prefect on the student council. A highlight was the Year 10 trip to Queenstown. Next year, Henry plans to study for a Bachelor of Engineering Technology at Otago Polytechnic, with aspirations of becoming a civil engineer in the future. Tonight Henry receives the Ward Cup - Senior Boy Athletics Champion

Aaron Vivas

Aaron has enjoyed badminton, athletics and cross country. Next year he plans to take a gap year to work before attending Polytech aiming to study entrepreneurship. Tonight Aaron receives Commendable Achievement in ESOL

Ashley Vivas

Ashley has played badminton and basketball for the senior As. He enjoyed the tournament and being part of the team and the friends he has made. Next year he will explore further opportunities by taking a gap year.  Tonight Ashley receives his graduation certificate

Yvonne Vuni

Yvonne has been involved with Pasifika Voices, played Volleyball and loved participating in the Otago Polyfest. Next year Yvonne will undertake Bachelor of Law studies at Otago University with plans of being a teacher in the future. Tonight Yvonne receives Merit in ESOL

Nicole Wakelin

Nicole has been involved in peer support and Tautuku camp as a leader. She has enjoyed Geography trips. Next year she plans to attend Otago University to gain a Bachelor of Science, aiming to join the field of marine science. Tonight Nicole receives her graduation certificate.

Ry Wallace

Ry enjoyed making a video talking about our school and welcoming new students. Next year he plans to take a gap year and would like to work in the filming area. Tonight Ry receives Merit in Digital Technology and the Aaron Lloyd Award - Excellence in IT Technology

Bri Ware

Bri has played hockey and captained the first XI and tournament teams over the years. She has also enjoyed playing football, squash and volleyball, as well as being a leader with peer support, mentor  group and year 10 camp Bri is looking to pursue further education in teaching or social work. Tonight Bri receives Distinction in English, Geography, History and Science, the Vickers Cup - Service to Hockey with Dannielle Lornie, the Cliff Bisset Memorial Cup - Excellence in Year 13 History , the I.Dent Scholarship - Rural/Geography and Blue - Academic and Leaders of Tomorrow University of Otago Scholarship

Olivia Wilson

Olivia has played Netball and a highlight of her time was the ski trips. Next year Olivia will be studying the diploma in Vet Nursing at Otago Polytechnic with plans to be a vet nurse in the future. Tonight Olivia receives her graduation certificate

Cassie Winslade

Cassie has been a peer support leader and involved in the school orchestra. A highlight of her time was the New York trip. Next year Cassie will undertake a bachelor of science at Otago University to study Ecology. Tonight Cassie receives Distinction in Art, English and Geography, Merit in Statistics, the R. Jansen Scholarship - Art and Blue - Academic and Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship from the University of Otago

 

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