The head students for 2016 have been announced.  Congratulations go to Mitchell Keip, Head Boy, and Madison Chu, Head Girl.   We asked them some questions:

Head Boy, Mitchell Keip

What are your goals as a head of the school?   
My goals for this year as Head Boy of Havelock North High School are to help create a positive image for the school and make it a friendly zone for students where they can learn and be encouraged to do so.

Why did you put your name forward for this position?
I put my name forward because I feel that I am a confident leader who is motivated to lead from the front. I wanted to have my opinions heard and it was a position I had been interested in for a number of years, so I went ahead and applied. 

What are some of your achievements at Havelock North High School?
In year 9 I was the recipient of an academic scholarship. I achieved NCEA Level One with Excellence, and NCEA Level Two with Merit. I also was the Intermediate Boys’ Athletics champion in 2014 and Senior Boys’ Athletics champion in 2015. I received a Principal's Award for Miro House and sporting involvement in 2015. 

What subjects are you studying this year?
This year I am studying biology, physics, physical education, English and business, all at NCEA Level Three.

 
What is your career plan?
I would like to study sports and exercise science in university, with the aim of being a sports based worker. 

What extra-curricular activities are you involved in?
I am in Colla Voce, the top auditioned choir, Future Prospect, orienteering, football, futsal and athletics. I also have a job as a waiter at Black Barn.

What has helped you to be where you are today?
My mother and father were a huge influence on me being who I am today, but a big portion of it comes from supportive teachers, not only at high school but all throughout my schooling life. The environment in which I grew up also shaped how I am today, as my whole family has been supportive of me from day one. 

Head Girl, Madison Chu

What are your goals as a head student of the school?
To create a positive and fun learning environment, to get everyone involved in school activities and motivate students to strive to be their best.   I aim to encourage my fellow year 13 students to step up and be role-models to junior pupils and the rest of the school. I also aim to lead by example and represent the school to the best of my ability.

 Why did you put your name forward for this position?
After four years at Havelock North High School, where I have grown and been shaped into the person I am today, I want to give back to the school and students. Growing up together, we are one big family and I genuinely want to see all the students living up to their potential. Because I’m an all-round person I felt like I could relate to a wide variety of people.

What are some of your achievements at Havelock North High School?
I was given an all-round scholarship to HNHS in 2012 and recently awarded the Aspirations Academic Award for year 12. I was selected for the Jarrod Cunningham Sports Academy for two years. I have represented HNHS at N.Z. nationals such as orienteering, adventure racing and volleyball and was HNHS orienteering captain last year. I have completed Duke of Edinburgh Bronze and Silver awards. 

What subjects are you studying this year?
Chemistry, biology, physics, calculus and geography. I am aiming to do scholarship in the first four subjects.

What is your career plan?
I am currently planning to study engineering at Auckland University. 

What extra-curricular activities are you involved in?
I have danced for over ten years and I am currently at Born to Move Dance Studio. I orienteer with the Hawke’s Bay Orienteering Club, as well as participating in the school team. Last year I played hockey and also was involved in an adventure racing team. Recently I have also been tutoring students. 

What has helped you to be where you are today?
Obviously, good schooling, teachers and peers have made a big contribution to who I am today. Te Mata School and Havelock North Intermediate built me strong foundations and have supported me, even after leaving school. I’ve had some truly inspiring teachers and coaches to thank, as well as some students. Of course my biggest help is my family who’ve supported everything and anything I do, giving up a lot of time to make my dreams possible.