This is the news release prepared by Hannah Henderson of Porirua City Council and sent out widely to Press throughout the region. In case it didn't reach the Press, or in case they chose not to celebrate this event in an edition, here is what they received.
An inspirational group of
The Rotary Clubs of Porirua and Porirua City Council presented Primary School Leadership Awards to 54 local school children at a ceremony at Elim Church.
The awards were presented by Deputy Mayor Izzy Ford, and Rotary District Governor Marion Johnstone presented each student with a Rotary International theme pin for 2018-2019.
Deputy Mayor Ford said she was inspired by the integrity, determination
'We are lucky to have such wonderful
Plimmerton Rotary President Donna Reed said the awards were the inspirational highlight of the year. 'As an educator', she said, 'I am so proud to acknowledge the leadership in community service of our young people. I love watching them step forward and be acknowledged by their peers and adults. They give me hope that we are leaving the Planet in much better hands.'
Guest speaker, Children’s Commissioner Judge Andrew Becroft, said the event was a chance to celebrate some of Porirua’s most influential young leaders who are making a real difference.
'Young people are the leaders of today not just the leaders of tomorrow. Young people are capable of being effective, energetic and inspiring leaders now. We need to encourage them and allow them to flourish,' he said. 'This ceremony is a reminder of the creative power that can be unleashed by young people.'
Mana MP Kris Faafoi said this exceptional group of young leaders were an inspiration. 'If you look at the testimonials of each recipient you’ll see that they're all doing such a great job for their school, community, and city,' he said. 'No matter their backgrounds, these young and confident leaders are setting a great foundation on environmental issues, enjoying different cultures, helping those in our community who need assistance and perhaps most importantly supporting their friends at school.'
A list of recipients is attached.
For a testimonial on each student, or other queries, please contact Wendy Betteridge at Rotary on 021 417576 or wendy@lastingimpact.co.nz You can find the story of the event, the speeches, the testimonials and the photographs here.
Award recipients:
Bishop Viard College – Keanu Tutapakore and Venessa
Brandon Intermediate – Angel-Newyear Faivalu and Denis
Cannons Creek School – Wyat Brown and Thi Khoa Vang
Corinna School – Eva Bishop and Jillian
Discovery School – Emma Dullabh and Celestine Kaio
Glenview School – Potiki TeAlei and Luisa Rose Va’a
Holy Family School – Pleh Meh and Jayelle
Maraeroa School – Seepa Kosetatino-Liufau and Skylah
Natone Park School – Te Rito Aperahama and
Ngāti Toa School –
Papakowhai School – James van der Voort and Ava Jones
Paremata School – Noah Cole and Liana Hull
Pāuatahanui School – Milly Keys and Cameron Judd
Plimmerton School – Izzy Lauder and Carter Sidwell
Porirua School – Capri Graham and Lucas Joe
Pukerua Bay School – Bella Reeve and Nyzanah Ringiao-Taukiri
Rangikura School – Daisy Connolly and Kaleb Tapara
Russell School – Rebecca Hmun and Oceana Takao
St Pius X School – Sophie de Boer and Preston Leaf
St Theresa’s School – Jayden Reynolds and Courtney Tyrell
Samuel Marsden Collegiate School – Sophie Berry and Isabella Sharp
Te Kura Maori o Porirua – Maia Ake McKenna and Andre Marshall
Titahi Bay Intermediate – Edward Walsh and Shontel Misky
Titahi Bay North School – Maia Lapointe and Manaia Smith-Bennett
Titahi Bay School – Jadah Moore-Feu'u and Malachi Osman
Wellington Seventh Day Adventist School – Jason Faleafaga and Christina Taala
Windley School – Roman Rask and Vickiana Tuaau