Wellington Airport celebrates students who have gone the extra mile

Wellington Airport celebrates students who have gone the extra mile

This week, Wellington Airport presented awards to five local students who have made an outstanding effort to support their school and local community.

The Wild at Heart Community Spirit Awards are presented by Wellington Airport to a Year 13 student from each of the five local colleges (Rongotai College, St Catherine’s College, St Patrick’s College, Scots College, and Wellington East Girls’ College).

The awards recognise students who stand out for:

• Contributing to their college
• Developing good relationships
• Treating others with respect and concern
• A commitment to service to their school and/or community projects
• Being good ambassadors for their college and the eastern suburbs.

Over the past 15 years, 75 students have been acknowledged with the Award.

The 2021 recipients are:

• Rongotai College - Jack Pulford
• St Catherine’s College – Eva Gundesen
• St Patrick’s College – James Tuck
• Scots College - Isaac Waterman
• Wellington East Girls’ College – Kelly Ngan

On Thursday, students attended a celebration lunch hosted by Wellington Airport with local MP Paul Eagle. Each student received a certificate and $1000 scholarship.

Wellington Airport’s Chief Executive, Steve Sanderson said “We’ve now been presenting the Spirit Awards for 15 years and each year I continue to be amazed and impressed at the time and effort our award winners give to their school and local community. The past couple of years have been challenging for many New Zealanders so it’s especially encouraging to see young people continuing to go above and beyond for the good of others. It is an absolute pleasure to recognise Jack, Eva, James, Isaac and Kelly’s achievements and I wish them all the best in the future”

Wild at Heart Spirit Award Citations 2021

Jack Pulford
Rongotai College

Jack is an involved student leader from Rongotai College serving in the roles of Deputy Head Prefect and student representative on the Board of Trustees. As President of the schools’ Interact Service Club, Jack has played an instrumental role in organising and inspiring other students to participate in activities to support local charities. Next year Jack plans to study Psychology at Victoria University to pursue a career in sports psychology.

Eva Gundesen
St Catherine’s College

Eva is an active student leader from St Catherine’s, serving as the Community and Wellbeing Captain and instigating student-lead whanāu hauora sessions to support student’s mental health. Eva participated in the UN Youth ‘Aotearoa Youth Declaration’ which contributes to the youth perspective on public policy. This year Eva organised a Peace Walk and is the Wellington coordinator and spokesperson for the youth lead non-profit Rise for Lives, standing up in unity for peace in war-torn countries like Yemen. Next year Eva is planning to study Law and Political Science in Canterbury.

James Tuck
St Patrick’s College

James is an engaged student leader from St Patrick’s College, serving as student representative on the Board of Trustees, House Leader and member of the Faith and Achievement Committees. He is involved in a wide range of activities including drama, debating, running, rugby, cricket, and athletics. James led a significant fundraiser for the Cancer Society’s Relay for Life and supported charity street collections this year. Next year James will be studying at Canterbury University.

Isaac Waterman
Scots College

Isaac is a community minded leader from Scots College, holding the roles of College Prefect, academic and pastoral mentor, and Football Coach. Isaac is a Scout Leader serving on the National Programme and Change Team, recently earning a Queen’s Scout Award. Isaac is an inaugural member of the Student Volunteer Army’s Youth Governance Group and was recognised with their Gold award for more than 50 hours’ volunteer service. Next year Isaac is planning to study Engineering in Canterbury.

Kelly Ngan
Wellington East Girls’ College

Kelly is an engaged student leader from Wellington East Girls’ College, serving in the role of Charities Prefect, which saw her organise major fundraising events. She is also a peer tutor, debating coach, assists in organising the Breakfast Club and is an active member of FeminEast. This year Kelly has served on the Wellington City Youth Council in the Communications Team and is also Treasurer and Secretary of the Wellington branch of School Strike 4 Climate. In 2022 Kelly is heading to the University of Otago to study a double degree in Law and PPE (Philosophy, Politics, and Economics).