Congratulations to Nicole Geyser who has been awarded the ‘Stars – Outstanding Contribution from a Peer Mentor Award’ for the Graeme Dingle Foundation Excellence Awards 2021!

Nicole received the award from a record number of entries, and judges commented:

“It’s truly inspiring to read how our young people and teams are tackling these unprecedented times and not letting a global pandemic get in the way!”

Nicole joined the Stars programme in 2020, and became Stars Manutaki in 2021. This was a new leadership role and Nicole has risen to the challenge of not only defining the role but creating a legacy for future leaders to build on. Stars has given Nicole a deeper understanding of ways to translate her naturally empathetic instincts to care for others - in this case younger students - into practical actions.

Nicole is an outstanding advocate for students to take care of and respect themselves. Nicole took a concept/activity that was covered in Stars (called the ‘I am enough challenge’), out to the junior school because she wanted them all to benefit. This is just one example of the way she has gone ‘above and beyond’ to make a difference through Stars.

Nicole will be presented with her award in Auckland on Monday 15th November.

Kia ora, I am Nicole Geyser.

I have been involved with the Stars program for the last two years. In 2020 I was a star mentor and I am currently a Star Manutaki. I have enjoyed giving back to the community and interacting with a variety of students. The stars program challenged my Leadership skills by introducing me to different cultures, emotions, and concepts of wellbeing. The stars program has helped me develop my leadership skills and school culture. Stars have taught me that Success is incredibly important but even more important than success is having an impact. It's knowing you haven’t walked the planet in vain. It's knowing that because of you, you have helped develop people and made the world a better place.

“The effect you have on others is the most valuable courtesy there is “- Nicole Geyser 

About Stars

The “Stars / Ngā Whetū” programme pairs all incoming Year 9 students at MGC with senior students, via a proven mentoring programme delivered by the Graeme Dingle Foundation Marlborough. The programme offers proactive measures to support enhanced resilience, mental health and wellbeing of students.

Stars begins with an ‘Adventure Camp’ in Term 1, which is then built on with weekly peer mentoring sessions, and culminates in a Community Project in Term 3 where the students ‘give back’ to the community.

Stars supports the Year 9s as they undergo the tricky transition to college and adolescence. Stars also benefits the Year 12 and 13s by providing meaningful leadership opportunities and experience.