Bayfield High School: Jamie McBride

Jamie McBride
Jamie McBride
Bayfield High School head boy Jamie McBride plans to march in his father's footsteps and become a medic in the army.

The 18-year-old has been a member of the City of Dunedin Cadet Unit for the past four years, notching up wins in the New Zealand Cadet Skills Competition (2005-06), the Southern Area Skills Competition (2004-06) and the Gunson Cup for smallbore rifle shooting in 2005.

Jamie says his greatest challenge is convincing people the military is the right career choice for him.

"Some people ask me why I want to do it. I've grown up with it because Dad was in the army.

"Because I've been exposed to it, I know what it's all about."

Aside from his father, Jamie says he has been inspired into a career in the military by his role model, Victoria Cross winner Captain Charles Upham.

"He's tough and I like his sensibilities and standards."

Jamie loves the teamwork, the challenges of being put in situations which are outside his comfort zone and the excitement of being in potentially dangerous situations.

But before he marches off to boot camp, he hopes to share some of his experience with children in North American summer camps next year.

"It fuses three of my passions together - the outdoors, teaching and peer support. I want to share my bush craft, navigation, first aid, survival and leadership skills."

Achievements: NZ Cadet Skills Competition winner (2005-06); Captain of the 1st XV rugby team (2008) and Pirates U18 team (2008); Board of Trustees student representative, Student Council, peer support and Formal Committee head (2008); Madrigal Choir (2004-08) and Male Choir (2006-08); School show (2004-08); Dunedin Prefect Committee member (2008).


Role model: Victoria Cross winner Captain Charles Upham.

Hopes for the future: To join the New Zealand or British army.

 

 

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