On Friday evening, Senior College Prizegiving signalled the end of another notable year in the life of the College, as the Saint Kentigern Senior College community gathered in Elliot Hall to congratulate our Year 11, 12 and 13 NCEA (National Certificate of Educational Achievement) and IB (International Baccalaureate) Diploma academic prize winners, including those who have received scholarships to continue their education at tertiary level.

The College is thrilled that by Senior College Prizegiving, 29 of our graduating students had already been awarded 41 significant tertiary scholarships, providing them with financial assistance for their chosen tertiary studies. In some instances, these provide a very substantial sum and these students can be very proud of their achievement. Other students can be equally proud to have been offered more than one scholarship, opening up choices as to where they continue their education.

Each year the number of scholarships awarded usually increases over the summer break as exam results become available; in particular for those seeking scholarships from universities in the Northern Hemisphere. Already, a number of our students have been offered places and scholarships overseas while others are awaiting confirmation entry in 2019. Again, these international scholarships represent significant financial support for these students.

As well as our top academic achievers, Senior Prizegiving also recognises our very best sportsmen and women, debaters, actors, dancers and musicians, and those who have given well beyond expectation in Service.  At all levels, there are many who strive to achieve their utmost in every endeavour they undertake.

Each student who came across the stage could be rightfully proud of awards that recognised their significant contribution. The evening culminated with the announcement of the highest academic honour, the Dux for NCEA and the IB Diploma. This year, there were joint winners for NCEA with Ebba Olsen and Ben Creemers both worthy recipients. Andrew Chen was named Dux for the IB Diploma. Congratulations to these three deserving students who have worked hard and made the most of every opportunity.

This year Heeju Rho placed first in Year 11, Misaki Chen was first in Year 12 NCEA and Margaret Li was first in Year 12 IB. Of note, Year 11 students Catherine Chang (Music and Mathematics), Heeju Rho (Biology) and Joseph Chan (Physics) were all awarded first place in a subject at Year 12 level. Likewise Year 12 students, Misaki Chen (Mathematics with Statistics) and Jesse Niu (Music) were awarded first place in a subject at Year 13 level. Well done to these students who have committed themselves to their academic studies.

As the Prizegiving ceremony came to a close, students, staff and guests were invited to Elliot Quad to watch the Pipes and Drums of Saint Kentigern beat the retreat as the flag was lowered. Our best wishes to all our senior students as they now head into their external examinations.

NCEA DUX MEDALLIST FOR 2018 (EQUAL)
EBBA OLSEN
Ebba is an outstanding scholar who has achieved considerable success during her time at the College.

Achieving Academic Colours every senior year, she was also awarded the Top Academic Student award and the R.K. Boyd Prize for Level 3 Economics in Year 12.  Ebba was awarded the Latin Prize in Years 11, 12 and 13 and received four gold medals for the National Latin Exams. She has also completed an accelerated Mathematics paper at the University of Auckland this year.

Ebba gained an excellence endorsement in NCEA Levels 1, 2 and 3 and was awarded an NZQA Scholarship in English and Statistics whilst in Year 12. As a result of her outstanding academic achievements, Ebba was selected to be a member of the Year 13 Scholars group and will be sitting NZQA Scholarship Examinations in English, Accounting, Geography, Latin, Calculus, Stats, Physics, Chemistry and Earth and Space Sciences.

This year, Ebba has been awarded:
The University of Auckland Top Achiever Scholarship
The R.K. Boyd Prize for Accounting
The Latin Prize
The Matheson Prize for Mathematics with Calculus
A Saint Kentigern Scholarship 

Ebba joined the College in Year 9 and has been a chorister in the mass choir for the past three years, competing in the Big Sing competitions each year. She has demonstrated her leadership skills as the chairperson on the STEM Council and has driven a number of initiatives in this area. Ebba will take her passion for computer science into tertiary study where she has enrolled in a Bachelor of Science majoring in Mathematics, Logic and Computation at the University of Auckland.