South Otago High School

Annaliese Bisset

Annaliese Bisset believes in speaking up and making herself heard.

The South Otago High School head girl says one way to give back to the world is to use your voice to help others.

While her parents occasionally tell her she can be quite "opinionated" at times, Annaliese maintains her spirited debating and oratory skills are important if she wants to forge a career by advocating for others.

"I’ve enjoyed performing at school and in speech competitions.

"It’s a way of stepping outside yourself and being a different person for a while.

"I enjoy writing and speaking persuasively to make people see things differently."

The 18-year-old’s mind has turned towards careers that could use her skills.

"I’m not 100% sure yet, but I’m thinking about going to Otago to study law.

"I feel very strongly about the advocacy of equal rights for all, and I want to make a difference and help everyone have their voice heard."

Psychotherapy, counselling or something in the medical field are also options, she says.

"Whatever it is, I’d like a career where I can make a difference and help others."

She has been getting plenty of experience at helping others this year, after being named the school’s head girl.

The role has also helped her embrace new challenges and meet new people.

"It’s important for the younger generation to get involved and keep giving back in whatever way they can."

Earlier this year, Annaliese received a Youth Spirit Award from the Clutha District Council for her contribution to her school and local community.

It is something she is very proud of.

"I’ve had to put a few of my interests to one side in order to give the role of head girl what it deserves, so it’s nice to be recognised for that."

Achievements

Head girl (2025); house captain (2025); QSA representative (2025); NCEA level 1 with excellence (2023); school distinction in art (2024); senior speech competition prize (2024); academic blue award (2024); NCEA level 2 with excellence (2024); girls volleyball captain (2021-2022); girls football tournament (2023); girls football 2nd XI captain (2024); school distinction in performance (2024); school art prize (2024); school drama prize (2024); school music prize (2024); school production lead role (2023); school orchestra clarinettist (2021-23).

Role model

South Otago High School head of drama Amanda Fiveash.

Hopes for the future

To make the world a better place where everyone is allowed to live their life freely and be accepted.

Brianah Ware

South Otago High School student Brianah Ware loves learning what makes people tick.

"When you learn about the psychology behind people’s behaviour, you can help them.

"Life’s about building good relationships."

But rather than become a psychologist, the 18-year-old says a career as an educator is beckoning her.

"At the moment, I want to study at Otago University, taking a mixture of humanities papers in my first year, then deciding what I like best to major in.

"After that, I’m considering taking a postgraduate degree in teaching, either ECE, primary, or secondary."

While Brianah’s future career is important to her, she says balance and leading a well-rounded life is also key.

"I think it’s so much more important to be a good person than to achieve academic or financial success.

"My mum is my inspiration. She’s one of the most caring and giving people I know, and if I achieve anything in life, I want it to be as loving as she is."

Brianah says her Christian upbringing has informed her approach to life.

"I was raised in a Christian home, and helped establish the Christian group here at school.

"I’d like to help other people grow in their faith."

Alongside her academic endeavours, hockey is another one of her big passions.

"I’ve played since I was 6, and have been able to take on a leadership and coaching role in more recent years.

"We play in a mixed first XI team here at South Otago, which is great for speed and competition.

"I enjoy being able to show the boys that I’m just as good a player as them."

Achievements

NCEA level 1 with excellence (2023); NCEA level 2 with excellence (2024); top year 10 academic student (2022); year 12 academic excellence prize (2024); academic blue award (2023, 2024); Southland hockey rep (2019, 2021); Otago hockey rep (2022); women’s division 2 hockey (2024); Hayes Trophy hockey winners (2024); most outstanding senior hockey player (2024); 1st Southland Chess Competition intermediate girls (2020); 1st XI hockey captain (2022-25); SSIS Tournament hockey captain (2022-24); school Christian group founder and leader (2024); peer support leader (2025); house leader (2025).