When I began at Hornby High School, I set myself a goal. In Year 13, I would be Head Girl.

It has been a year of activity and change in my position as Head Girl, and no doubt the rest of the prefects would have found this for themselves too.

Managing assessments, prefect responsibilities, sport, and the like, would have personally seemed daunting without the support of many this year. 

I would like to thank my wonderful friends for being there for me in the times I most needed them, always ready to provide me with an ear to listen or a laugh to be had. I hope you guys know how much you mean to me. To my teachers, thank you for pushing me these past five years to do my best, even when I thought I had nothing left to give! Thank you for testing my resilience in order for me to achieve. In particular, I'd like to thank Mr Daines and Mrs O'Donnell. I couldn't have asked for a better dean, nor a better form teacher to see me through my high school years. Your kindness and humour, as well as your constant interest in our lives in and out of school is certainly something I will miss.

Thank you to my Mum and Dad. Where would I be without your constant support and encouragement!? Whether it be in my pursuit of opportunities offered by school, hockey on the weekends, or preparing for University next year, I am lucky enough to know that you will always be there for me. 

As I and fellow Year 13s prepare to leave Hornby High, I look towards the future with a mix of excitement and uncertainty.In 2018, I will be attending Otago University to study towards a Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Anthropology.
Throughout my five years, I am proud to say that Hornby High was my tūrangawaewae, my place to stand, somewhere I could make mistakes and learn from them, whether it be in the classroom or when putting my leadership to the test.Hornby High School was my first choice, and the only high school I ever imagined myself attending, therefore I am very thankful to have had the opportunity to represent Hornby High School as the Head Girl for 2017.

If there is one thing I have taken away from my role as Head Girl, something I can pass on to you all, it is the importance of having confidence in yourself. Coming into this role, I had a strong sense of self, and confidence in my leadership ability. I have learnt that if you trust in yourself and your abilities, and listen to the feedback from teachers, friends, and family, you can achieve anything you put your mind to. In the words of Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President of the United Stated of America, "Do what you can, with what you have, where you are."

Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.