Maniototo Area School

Grace Farquhar

Taking every opportunity and making the most of them is a way of life for Maniototo Area School head girl Grace Farquhar.

Grace has been involved with St John since she was 6, and this year she was named the Central Otago cadet of the year.

While her mother was instrumental in Grace joining the organisation, it has been the people that have kept her interested, she says.

"What has kept me going is making friends and all the opportunities, such as competitions and camping."

Grace’s role model — best friend Chloe Baxter, of Christchurch — also came into her life through St John.

They met at a St John camp and have kept in touch ever since.

"I always look up to her. She’s an amazing person and an amazing leader as well.

"She got the highest cadet promotion you can get last year.

Next year Grace plans to attend the University of Otago and her ambition is to become a criminal forensic scientist.

Grace’s fascination with forensics began after studying author Kathy Reichs’ young adult novels in year 8.

Since then, she has watched a lot of CSI-based television shows. She then attended the Otago advanced science academy earlier this year where University of Otago lecturer Charlotte King spoke about forensic anthropology.

Grace says she has always been a literal, factual person. While there was some hypothesising required initially in a forensic examination, it was the ability to prove that theory (or not) with science, that appealed to her.

Achievements

Head student (2025); NCEA level 1 endorsed with merit, business studies and science endorsed with merit; NCEA level 2 endorsed with excellence; Peter Connolly Memorial trophy (2024); school chemistry prize (2024); T L Morgan Trophy (2023); school service prize (2023); Hadlee Trust scholarship (2023, 2024); Otago Advanced Science Academy (2025); Maniototo hockey team (2014-2025); Maniototo netball team (2018-2025); 1st year 12 road race (2024); prefect (2024); student council member (2022 and 2025); Future Leaders Academy (2025); St John youth cadet of the year (2025); South Island St John youth national competitions representative squad (2024); Grand Priors award (2024); Duke of Edinburgh bronze award (2024), silver award (2025).