Gemma Coulman
How did you feel when you found out you were elected a head student? How did you find out?
I received a phone call the night before from our principal to say I had got one of the four head student roles, but she wasn’t to tell us which one. So on the night as they called the prefect team up, we were left standing on the side of the stage, so it was definitely an adrenaline rush of having to quietly wait for an award that you know you have got in the bag. I was also last to be called up, so there was lots of excitement and a bit of relief that it all paid off.
What do you hope to achieve as a head student? Do you have any goals and projects in mind?
With so much change going on within our school, as far as construction goes, I think the best thing as head students we can do is try to keep everyone connected and still make sure that the school has a sense of belonging. Because change always is a starting point to bigger and better things, but it can come across as quite scary as well. So I think that as a collective prefect team we will be working towards small challenges and activities that everyone can get involved in, at break times and things.
What are you most excited about this year?
I am really looking forward to our prefect variety show on May 6 and 7, it is something that I have always been involved in and I think that it a great opportunity for us to combine both campuses, and create something memorable for the last time. In general, I’m really looking forward to being a head student, because this year is the last year I will have an opportunity like this, so I will take every challenge and opportunity as it comes, and creating some great times too.
What advice would you give to your fellow classmates this year?
I would say work hard, but don’t forget there is more to this year than just school work. There are so many opportunities out there, you have just got to be willing to take a step outside your comfort zone — which isn’t always going to be the easiest thing to do, but it will always be worth it in the end.
What are your interests and hobbies inside and outside of school?
I really love to sew and design clothing; it has been a big passion of mine for the last couple of years. I also love to dance, and have been since I was in primary school. Currently I am a part of Dance It Out Studios’ Illuminate crew which I really enjoy and it has challenged my dance skills. But I also do dance exam work with them as well, and teach six classes a week, which I really enjoy. The kids are so amazing to work with and have such a great energy.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
This is such a big question for me that I don’t really have a clear vision on. I think there is a high chance that I will be living somewhere other than Gore. I imagine that I would have gained some form of tertiary qualification. In what, I am not 100% sure, and I also know at some point I would really love to travel around and see what the world has to offer.
Riley Wilson
How did you feel when you found out you were elected a head student?
I was very proud of myself and it made me excited for the year ahead, as it opened up a lot of opportunities to improve the school and learn new skills.
What do you hope to achieve as a head student? Do you have any goals and projects in mind?
The main projects are the ball and prefects’ variety concert, which I want to ensure run smoothly like always. But I also want to improve them in any way I can, to set the standard higher for the years to come. I also want to help improve the school’s image around the Southland community by creating a safe and fun culture between students and staff.
What are you most excited about this year?
Really getting to know the school community by working with lots of new people. Also creating lots of new lunchtime and other activities to create a more inclusive and fun environment for all students
What advice would you give to your fellow classmates this year?
Make the most of year 13 and have fun, because it will go by fast and there won’t be many more years like this in your life.
What are your interests and hobbies inside and outside of school?
I enjoy most sports, mainly basketball and athletics, so I like playing basketball with my mates, or at more competitive levels against other schools or regions.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I would have graduated from Otago University with a qualification in accounting or law and started a new job somewhere outside of Southland. Hopefully I am still enjoying sports and have met lots of new people through University and work that I am close with.
