Year 9 ākonga celebrated success at the 2025 prizegiving with awards for excellence, progress and manaaki.

Year 9 ākonga were celebrated at this year’s Prizegiving ceremony in the OAEC with a warm event recognising their achievements and growth.

Whānau and staff came together to mark an important milestone in the kura journey before these ākonga step up to Year 10. The ceremony recognised not only academic excellence, but also personal development, leadership, and service throughout the year.

The Manaaki Orewa Award was presented to Mohammad Al Samadi for his contributions to the school community. Mutsa Dimairho received the Ako Orewa Award for Most Improved. The Principal’s Award for All Round Excellence went to Elise Chapman, and Sofia Brown was awarded the Mātauranga Award for outstanding academic achievement.

View the full gallery of our special ward winners here.

Congratulations to all recipients and a heartfelt thank you to everyone who supported our Year 9 ākonga throughout their journey so far.

Photo credit: Maddi Newson, Max Capon-Taylor

Runner: Jasmine Mahoney, Madi Gooding