The Taieri College head prefect had the entire collection of Where's Wally books, which have large-scale drawings of Wally well-hidden among people going about their daily lives in different countries.
The images sparked Hayden's intrigue with other countries from an early age, and now he wants to study history and geography at the University of Otago.
He is interested in civilisations and how the world will cope with the expanding population in the future.
‘‘The population is getting bigger, but the space on which we live is not. I'd like to study the continued impact of humans on the Earth and vice versa. I would also like to look into solutions for dealing with this predicament.'' Hayden is well-prepared for his chosen career.
Already he has achieved NCEA level 1 and 2 with excellence endorsements, he was awarded academic Blues in 2008 and 2009, and has been first in geography for the past two years.
Despite his academic success, Hayden says being appointed head prefect was his proudest moment.
He has spent his entire secondary education working towards the goal of becoming head prefect, just like his older brother. ‘‘It fulfilled a long-term ambition.'' Hayden says it is important to be well rounded and believes sport is one of the keys to achieving it.
He has been captain of the school's senior A basketball team, a member of the 1st XV and a member of the senior A volleyball team for the past two years.
‘‘Trying to maintain a balance in academic achievement and sport, as well as having a social life is my greatest challenge. But I work hard at it because it's important to stay well rounded.''
Achievements: Head prefect (2009); peer mediator (200809); sports council (2009); 1st in year 12 (2008); Principals Award for leadership and maturity (2008); NCEA level 1 and 2 endorsed with excellence; 1st XV (200809); senior A volleyball and basketball (200809); 2nd school cross-country.
Roll models: Muhammad Ali and Lance Armstrong.
Hopes for the future: To study history and geography at the University of Otago.