Celebrating Achievement, Effort and Service: Junior Prizegiving 2025
Our Junior Prizegiving for 2025 was a wonderful celebration of the effort, achievement and spirit shown by our Year 9 and 10 students throughout the year. The occasion recognised not only academic excellence, but also diligence, service, leadership and sporting achievement – reflecting the many ways our students contribute to life at Thames High School.
Across the ceremony, students were acknowledged through Diligence Awards, Distinction Awards, and First in Subject Awards, highlighting perseverance, high achievement and subject excellence across both core subjects and option classes. The depth and breadth of awards demonstrated the commitment our junior students continue to show in their learning, whether in the classroom, workshops, on the stage or the sports field.
Special awards celebrated students who go above and beyond. These included Service Awards for students who have contributed generously to both school and community life, selections for the Spirit of Adventure programme, and the presentation of the Thames High School Cup for All-Round Citizenship, awarded this year to Esther Bullock (Year 9) and Chloe Bergersen (Year 10). These students exemplify our school values through kindness, leadership and consistent effort.
We were also proud to acknowledge outstanding sporting success through the Don Snowden Silver Medals for Best All-Round Junior Girl and Boy in Sport, awarded to Alzora Taylor (Year 10) and Archie Stove (Year 10), as well as the Ian Stirling Trophy for Outstanding Sporting Achievement, won by Maia Whitney (Year 10). These awards reflect dedication, resilience and excellence at the regional and national levels.
This year, we introduced the Richmond Mallory Trust Writing Competition at Senior Prize Giving, and it was also presented at this year’s Junior Prize Giving, made possible through the generosity of the Trust. Congratulations to Yuzuki Nomura (Year 10), Keita Raewyn Huriana Ihaia Hira (Year 10) and Olivia Baines (Year 9) for their outstanding writing achievements.
The evening concluded with the presentation of our premier awards, including the David Nankivell Award for Best All-Round Junior Student, awarded to Luca Yamamoto (Year 10), and the Year 10 Dux, awarded to Felix Milner, whose academic results across senior-level subjects were exceptional.
We extend our sincere thanks to Board member Matua Wayne Whitney for his inspiring address to students. His key message encouraged students to step outside their comfort zones. It was a powerful reminder that growth often comes from courage, curiosity and a willingness to try.
A highlight was the two musical performances, especially from retiring Kaiako Mr Mackie, who sang “A Wonderful World” by Sam Cooke with the school band consisting of Sophia Haakma (Year 9), Eli Lester (Year 11), Alzorah and Chloe Bergersen.
Congratulations to all our award recipients and to every junior student who contributed to a successful year in 2025. We are proud of your achievements and look forward to seeing how you continue to grow, challenge yourselves and support others in the year ahead.
