Celebrating Academic Excellence at Prizegiving
The 2024 College Prizegiving united the Saint Kentigern community in a heartfelt celebration of academic excellence, leadership, and service. Held in the packed Sports Centre auditorium, families, staff, and guests gathered to honour the achievements of our students across all year levels. The event began with the official party processing to the sound of the College Pipe Band, followed by a karanga to welcome everyone, setting a tone of respect and reflection for the occasion.
Principal Damon Emtage offered words of inspiration, gratitude, and reflection. “To our parents,” he said, “thank you for believing in Saint Kentigern College and for your support of our journey with your children. One of the interesting things about being an educator is that, unlike many other professions, you don’t immediately see the measure of your nurturing, encouragement, and endeavour. Education, like parenting, is a long game. We stand confidently in the knowledge that each of the exceptional young people before us today stands poised and ready to launch into their remarkable futures.”
The morning ceremony featured performances from Kentoris and the College Band, adding to the sense of occasion. Highlights included the recognition of top academic achievers across year levels:
Top in Year 7: James Doull
Top in Year 8: Jasper Li
Top in Year 9: Eason (Yichen) Liu
Top in Year 10: Coco (Yuming) Zhong
Top in Year 11: Melanie (Mohan) Yin
The PG Hadfield Award for First in Year 12 NCEA: Morgan Alley
The PG Hadfield Award for First in Year 12 IB: Daniel Xian
The pinnacle of the Prize Giving celebrated the College’s highest academic honours for Year 13 students:
Proxime Accessit: Katelyn Quay-Chin
Katelyn’s rank score of 319 out of 320 and GPA of 95.4% reflect her exceptional academic ability. As Head Girl, she has demonstrated exemplary leadership while balancing a demanding academic schedule. Her accolades include Top in Subject awards for Biology, Business, and Statistics, as well as an NZQA Outstanding Scholarship in Health and Physical Education. Katelyn’s steadfast values and passion for lifelong learning have left an enduring mark on the College.
NCEA Dux: Imogen Perry
Imogen achieved a rank score of 318 out of 320 and a GPA of 97.4%, showcasing her dedication and natural academic talent. Alongside her studies, she participated in Water Polo and the Concert Band, exemplifying the well-rounded education that Saint Kentigern values. Imogen’s awards include Top in Subject for Geography and the Frank Reeves Memorial Cup for Literature. She also earned an NZQA Scholarship in English earlier this year, a testament to her discipline and enthusiasm for learning.
IB Dux: Jayden Tee
Jayden, with a predicted IB score of 41 out of 42, epitomises humility and diligence. Described by his teachers as a scholar of exceptional integrity, he has excelled academically while contributing to the Concert and Symphonic Orchestras. Jayden’s achievements include NZQA Scholarships in English and History, reflecting his genuine passion for learning and intellectual curiosity.
The ceremony concluded with the lowering of the New Zealand flag by the Pipe Band outside the Sports Centre, symbolising the end of the 2024 academic year. The 2024 Prizegiving was a fitting finale to a year of exceptional achievement, celebrating the talent, perseverance, and values that define our College.
For a full list of prize winners, click here.
