Seva Solomatenko
Seva Solomatenko has only recently embraced being a leader.
He says he used to just sit back and let other people make big decisions, but he realised he needed to take initiative as a leader to have control over his future.
"It’s the little things, I believe, that count, because small things can accumulate and make a big difference."
As head boy, he tries to lead by creating platforms for people to be the best they can be, because he believes leadership is compassionate.
Seva coming from a family of academics, is passionate about education.
He takes a lot of inspiration from his parents and grandparents, to work hard and excel in his studies.
Seva has already attained NZQA scholarships in physics, calculus and chemistry and he completed NCEA level 2 and 3 endorsed with excellence.
Next year, he plans to study a double major in physics and chemistry, so he can get into a field in material science and get involved in ecology.
He has already received an A grade for a 100-level maths paper at the University of Canterbury.
Seva has developed a mindset where he can lock into hard work when an exam is around the corner, but then is able to rest by changing activities.
He rests his mind doing physical activity and rests his body while studying.
Achievements
Head boy (2025); board of trustees student representative (2024); NZQA scholarships in physics, calculus and chemistry (2024); New Zealand Maths and Physics Competition South Island senior 5th place (2024); University of Canterbury Math 199 paper A- grade (2024); U19 table tennis B division nationals 3rd place (2024, 2023); NCEA level 3 excellence (2024); NCEA level 2 excellence (2023); Climbing team captain (2024); K24 Gumboot Friday run committee vice-president (2025); International Young Speech Makers Contest regional finals 2nd place (2024); Big Science Competition high distinction (2022, 2023); Australian Maths Challenge distinction (2022, 2023); Otago Junior Maths Competition distinction (2022); Otago Senior Science Quiz distinction (2023); member for student council (2023-25); formal planning committee member (2025).
Role model
Patrick Tyrrell and Nicholas Kyle.
Hopes for the future
To make a difference in the field of science.
Jeremiah Tuhega-Vaitupu
Jeremiah Tuhega-Vaitupu is as cool as they come.
The high achieving 17-year-old has learned to keep calm in high pressure situations on the rugby field and in the classroom.
This year he has managed his duties as deputy head boy while playing under-18 New Zealand boys’ touch, being part of the One New Zealand Warriors league academy and playing for his school’s first XV.
He says he does not really get stressed out by his busy schedule.
"I feel like I just kind of go with the motions a bit, but when I need to lock in, I can."
His strategy is to focus on one task at a time and get things done.
Jerimiah says he gets his ability to keep a cool head from his family.
His parents and his older brother all played rugby and he wants to follow in their footsteps.
Making his parents proud is the biggest motivation in his life.
His goal is to play professional rugby or rugby league and he has sacrificed a regular social life to achieve it.
He says he did not mind not going to a lot of parties because he saw his friends playing sport and going to school anyway.
If rugby does not work out, Jerimiah is pretty good with numbers and will study either architecture or engineering next year.
He says his long term goal is just to be able to provide for his family.
Achievements
Deputy head prefect (2025); Ministry of Pacific Peoples toloa scholarship (2025); Mana Pounamu - Tuakana (2025); New Zealand touch U18 boys (2024, 2025); New Zealand secondary schools Māori rugby U18 boys camp (2025); New Zealand Warriors League Academy (2024, 2025); South Island Scorpions rugby league team (2023-25); Otago touch open mens and U18 boys (2024, 2025); Otago rugby league U18 boys – 9s/13s (2024, 2025); King’s of the Pacific culture group (2025); excellence NCEA level 2 (2024); TOA – Pacific Trust Otago Scholarship top award senior (2024); He Waka Kotuia (2024); King’s 1st touch team (2024); 1st volleyball team (2023, 2024); 1st XV rugby (2022, 2023, 2024); Te Ao Haka excellence (2023); Te Hautoka – Otago/Southland secondary school competition 1st place (2023); TOA – Pacific Trust Otago Scholarship (2023); King’s top Pacific student (2022); kapa haka nationals (2022) [Abridged].
Role models
His mother and father.
Hopes for the future
Professional rugby or become an architect or an engineer.
