Commitment rewarded with DOE awards

 

A four year commitment came to a triumphant end recently for three dedicated Otamatea High School students who, under the guidance of co-ordinator Robyn Bruce, earned their Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Gold Awards. 

The award ceremony was held at the Kristin School auditorium on Auckland’s North Shore on Saturday March 30 and was a special occasion for recipients Holly Brunt, Hayden Wharfe and Shawna Hawken as the presenter was Sarah Hillary, daughter of the late Sir Edmund Hillary.

The Duke of Edinburgh scheme offers valuable opportunities to learn life skills, make new connections and engage more fully with the community through service, recreation and leadership.

The challenge is completed from bronze, silver and finally to gold level.

A significant achiever in outdoor pursuits herself, Otamatea High School programme director Robyn Bruce currently has eleven pupils in various stages of the global achievement course. 

Robyn is a volunteer co-ordinator and has helped countless students by mentoring, guiding and encouraging them to complete the programme.

“I’m there to guide them,” says Robyn “but the commitment, dedication and achievement is all their own.”
Around 25 per cent of the school are part of the DOE programme.

Pictured from left, Sarah Hillary, Holly Brunt, Robyn Bruce, Hayden Wharfe, and Shawna Hawken. PHOTO/Supplied