The 18-year-old Maniototo Area School pupil received the senior Mana Pounamu Scholarship in 2008 which will enable him to study art at Otago Polytechnic next year.
It was an ‘‘incredible honour'' for him and his family as his art was ‘‘very special'' to him.
‘‘It gives me the opportunity to express myself in much the same way as I have been able to on the sports field.
‘‘Of course, artistic expression is different from physical expression but I am so glad I am able to express myself in both ways,'' he said.
The art Cobie enjoys is carving and painting, in particular portraiture.
Despite playing rugby for about 12 years, Cobie ‘‘went off it'' to focus on playing volleyball.
He loves the ‘‘team interaction'' involved in volleyball and has played for the past five years.
His Maori heritage is very important to him and, with the majority of his family living in the North Island, he tries to ‘‘keep in touch with it'' as much as he can.
In his spare time, Cobie enjoys ‘‘being active'' and spending time with his family.
The idea of whanau extends into the schoolyard, too.
With pupils at the school ranging in age from 5 to 18, his role as a head pupil means he needs to take extra responsibility for the younger pupils.
Playing for various sports teams and attending Maori leadership courses at Lincoln College have enhanced his leadership abilities.
Cobie is most grateful to his fellow pupils, teachers and family for guiding him over the years.
‘‘I will not let them down and I hope my waka will sail straight and true.''
Achievements: A head pupil; 2008 recipient of Manu Pounamu award, a scholarship for Maori pupils; South Island rugby and volleyball representative.
Role model: His father, because he was ‘‘really understanding and supportive'' through all his years at school. Physical education teacher Jo McDonald, because he had always been there and encouraged him to try out different sports.
Hopes for the future: He would like to study either art or design and continue to play volleyball.