Six women who were pupils at Cromwell College when they worked towards the award were among a room full of people from throughout New Zealand to be presented the highest level of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award by Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy and her husband Sir David Gascoigne at Otago Girls’ High School.
Kayla Green (19), of Cromwell, said receiving the award surrounded by her female peers was satisfying.
"Particularly because there were six girls and no guys going for it.
"We started the bronze and then when we had the silver we thought we may as well go for the gold."
Miss Green said aspects of gaining the award, which included one year of service, skills and physical recreation had been challenging but achieving the honour had been worth it.
Dame Patsy Reddy said the award offered recipients a chance to learn life skills, make new connections and engage with communities.
"When you first started in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award, the prospect of receiving a gold award may have seemed a long way in the future.
"I’m sure there’s a great feeling of satisfaction that the moment has finally come and all the hard work and time spent has paid off."
Otago and Southland recipients: Mandela Clark, Cromwell College; Kayla Green, Cromwell College; Georgia Jackson, Cromwell College; Georgia Johnstone, Cromwell College; Emma Smith, Cromwell College; Dawn-Marie Williams, Cromwell College; Kia Wales, Dunstan High School; Stephen Jones, James Hargest College; Luke Jarvie, John McGlashan College; April Carter, Mount Aspiring College; Laetitia Telford, Mount Aspiring College; Corbin Bungard, South Otago High School; Caitlin Cook, South Otago High School; Georgia Gordon, Southland Girls’ High School; Jordan Pannett, St Hilda’s Collegiate School; Riley Chandler, St Kevin’s College; Georgia Malcolm, St Kevin’s College; Ellen McAtamney, St Kevin’s College; Thomas Pickles, St Kevin’s College; Max Stewart, St Kevin’s College.
Long service award: Bronwyn Ramsay, 30th Dunedin Girls’ Brigade Company, Pine Hill.
