Maz Patch Cameron
The Dunstan High School deputy head boy has a raft of achievements across a number of disciplines to his name, but it is his nomination for the Otago Southland Theatre Awards he classes as his proudest moment.
Maz’s portrayal of Seymour Krelborn in Little Shop of Horrors earned him a nomination for leading male in a musical.
"Going into that role I wasn’t overly confident in my ability — particularly my singing. The time and work I had to put in — and effort from the people around that they put into me — to get a nomination was a great recognition for that work," he said.
Learning from experiences that take him out of his comfort zone, Maz has found forward thinking and "sheer curiosity" help when it comes to getting stuck into things he has never tried before.
He hopes through stepping out of his comfort zone he is able to give back to others, especially those who have been instrumental to helping him succeed.
"My family, friends and the community have given me so much. I just want to see people happy and successful in what they’re doing."
Achievements Dunstan High School deputy head boy (2022), arts committee leader (2021), sustainability committee leader (2020), vice-captain DHS cricket First XI, captain Central Otago Football age grade (2018-2020), member of academic, arts, media, service, sustainability, wellbeing, sports committees, Sticks n Stones (2017-present), Dunstanza Choir South Island Big Sing Cadenza Competition (2022), Showquest (2022,2021), Central Otago most promising debater (2019), Central Otago Youth Council (2020-present), NCEA overall excellence endorsed at Level 2 to 100 excellence club NCEA Level 2 (2021), NCEA overall excellence endorsed at Level 1 to 100 excellence club NCEA Level 1 (2020), Student Volunteer Army bronze and silver, Duke of Edinburgh — gold, silver, bronze (2019-2022), Otago Country Cricket representative (2016-present), UN Summit Wanaka (2020-present), Get2Go Otago/Southland adventure racing champions(2019),
Role model "My mum. She’s got an incredible ability to put others first."
Hopes for the future "I want to make a tangible difference in the world — what that is I don’t know yet. I see that through the medical field and the environment field to do this. I’m keeping my options open for study but am looking at studying either engineering or medicine."
Vanessa Gallagher
The Dunstan High School head girl’s list of accolades covers a range of spheres — leadership, cultural and academic.
However, she places a higher value on ensuring those around her feel seen and appreciated, recognising empathy and compassion as strengths rather than weaknesses.
"I’ve done a lot of things but it’s more important that people see me as more than the head girl, but as someone who is kind to them and someone who actually cares," she said.
Empathy for others is something Vanessa has developed through her experience of different cultures and integrating both her ethnicities — Ghanaian and Kiwi — into her everyday life.
"I think the biggest challenge I feel is that integration of both my ethnicities.
"Being in New Zealand I don’t feel a lot of connection with my home community. It’s important I incorporate my Ghanaian culture in everyday life."
Her mother has been instrumental in helping her to keep her that culture alive.
Vanessa is driven by a strong sense of purpose and believes being intentional in her actions and words is important.
She says the diligence and perseverance to better her academic and dance performance have been formative for her, and she now applies those traits across a range of disciplines.
She is passionate about ensuring equal opportunity for people, particularly in regards to accessing medical care.
Achievements: Dunstan High School head girl (2022); NZIFSA-accredited Kiwi Skate Coach (2019-22); member of DHS academic, arts, service, wellbeing committees; formal committee (2021-22); Student Council member (2018-present), Central Otago Youth Council member (2020-present); Duke of Edinburgh Bronze (2020), Silver (2021), Duke of Edinburgh Gold Siberia (2022); SVA Bronze and Silver Award; NCEA overall excellence endorsed level 2 (2021), NCEA overall excellence endorsed level 1 (2020), 2019 Marine Studies Centre (University of Otago) Team Bronze Crest; Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) intermediate, advanced foundation, advanced 1 exam with merit; Scholarship to Canterbury Ballet Summer School (2020); Figure Skating Bronze Stroking Badge (2019), Figure Skating Preliminary Free Skating Badge (2018).
Role model: "It would be my mother — she inspires me most because she gives so much of herself in so many ways"
Hopes for the future: "I would really like to travel to countries and volunteer. In terms of study, I will go into first year health science or a Bachelor of Law with a minor in bio-ethics."
