Dux Of School 2024: Thomas Hayman

G.M.Thomson Prize For Science, Brown Memorial Prize, Dux Association Prize, Board Of Trustees Medal.

Thomas is driven to excel in every endeavour. His time at Otago Boys’ has seen him involved in indoor climbing, squash, cricket, and orienteering. He has achieved bronze and silver in the Duke of Edinburgh Award and is working towards his gold. In 2023, he was awarded the Axe and the Richard Tilly Memorial Award, recognising his contributions to outdoor pursuits.

A three-time Centurion, Thomas has earned Academic Blues for each NCEA level, completing Levels 1 and 2 in Year 11. In Year 12, he achieved a Level 3 Excellence endorsement alongside University Entrance - a rare feat. This year, Thomas placed 1st in Physics and 2nd in Chemistry. As a Year 12, he achieved 2nd in both Geography and Calculus at Level 3. In total, he has amassed 260 Excellence credits, with Excellence in 100% of his Level 3 internals and exams over the last two years. In 2023, he was awarded a scholarship in Mathematics with Statistics. Currently undertaking the University of Canterbury’s MATH199 course in Calculus and Linear Algebra, he has achieved 97% and is on track for an A+.

Set to join the University of Canterbury in 2025, Thomas will pursue a degree in Engineering, supported by the UC Engineering Top Achievers Scholarship. Congratulations, Thomas - your achievements are a testament to your commitment and perseverance. Well done!

Proxime Accessit to Dux 2024: Ben Richards

Ben, a 2024 school prefect, has represented the school in football, cricket, and rugby and earned a Sporting Blue for volleyball. He has completed over 500 hours of volunteer work with the Student Volunteer Army. A three-time Centurion and Academic Blues recipient for Levels 1 and 2, Ben has earned 222 Excellence credits and achieved near 100% Excellence in both internals and school exams this year. His academic success spans a wide range of subjects, earning 1st place in Classics and Wood Technology, and 2nd in Business this year. As a Year 12 student, he earned 1st place in Level 3 History and 2nd in Level 3 English.

Ben’s writing talent was recognised with the prestigious Morris Prize for Creative Writing in 2023, along with a scholarship in History in Year 12. Additionally, he earned an A grade in the University of Canterbury’s Introduction to Politics course. Earlier this year, Ben was awarded the Otago Daily Times Class Act Award and the University of Otago Academic Excellence Entrance Scholarship. Planning a gap year before studying Law at the University of Otago, Ben’s commitment to excellence has marked him as a standout student with a bright future.

Alexander Wilson Memorial for Best All-Round Boy: Lachie Hall

A highly motivated yet modest individual, Lachie is deeply involved in all areas of school life. A school prefect and top academic, he is a three-time Centurion, achieving Excellence endorsements for all three levels of NCEA. He received academic prizes this evening and has been awarded a University of Otago Leaders of Tomorrow scholarship. Lachie is a sportsman, playing golf and representing the Second XI hockey team, but it is on stage where he truly shines. A member of the school choir for three years and part of the OBHS-OGHS combined choir, he has won singing prizes in local competitions. Lachie has played lead roles in school productions in 2023 and this year, where his acting and singing talents were also recognised. He is a true all-rounder and thoroughly deserving of this award.

2025 Head Boy: Charlie Ottrey

A role model in the classroom, Charlie has achieved NCEA Level 1 with Excellence and has already completed Level 2 with at least Merit. As a Level 1 Centurion, he has shown his commitment to academics and sport, representing the 1st XI cricket and previously playing rugby, where he earned Blues. Injury prevented him from participating in winter sports this year, but he demonstrated resilience by stepping up to coach an U14 rugby team and supporting the 1st XV. Charlie’s hard work, positive attitude, and friendly nature have earned him respect from both teachers and peers, making him a strong and resilient leader.

2025 Deputy Head Boy: Jack Ussher

An unassuming young man, Jack immerses himself fully in school life, playing 1st XI cricket and 1st XI football, earning Blues in both sports. Jack is also a school librarian and has completed over 400 hours with the Student Volunteer Army. He is dedicated in the classroom, achieving NCEA Level 1 with Excellence and Level 2 with Excellence as a Level 1 Centurion. Respected by peers and teachers alike, Jack genuinely cares about others and will be an excellent leader and role model within our school.

2025 Head Boy of School House: Eddie Burgess

A personable and friendly young man, Eddie is full of energy and enthusiasm in everything he does. He achieved NCEA Level 1 with a good number of Merit and Excellence credits and has already achieved Level 2. Eddie is fully involved in school life, excelling as a rower - earning Blues in this sport - and as a member of the 1st XV. He also plays Touch Rugby in the summer. As a hostel student, Eddie understands the importance of connecting with others, knowing that a leader focused on “brotherhood” can greatly enhance the hostel experience for all. He will be an outstanding Head of School House and a first-rate role model.

Best Individual Sporting Performance: Shamus Young

A keen sportsman, Shamus has participated in a range of summer and winter sports during his five years at OBHS. But it is clay target shooting that is his passion and where he excels. In 2024t Shamus was 2nd in the Single Barrel Boys at the NZ Secondary School Clay Target DTL (Down the line) Championships. More impressively he is a world champion. Shamus was a member of the NZ U21 Clay Target team that won the World U21 Championships (the Macintosh Title) in 2024.

Best All-Round Sportsman: Archie Colquhoun and Fergus Oberlin-Brown

Archie

Archie has made a significant contribution to Otago Boys’ High Sport in his time representing the school. Over the years he has played cricket, basketball, volleyball, handball, golf, hockey, and he has rowed. Somehow, he also found time to do some schoolwork. A versatile and talented sportsman, Archie is a member of the Maadi rowing squad, the 1st golf team and co-captain of the 1st XI Hockey team. He is also a member of the Otago U18 Hockey side.

Fergus

Fergus is also a talented sportsman who has played a wide range of sports. These include athletics, tennis, basketball, football, cross country and hockey. This committed sportsman gives his best in every arena. He is a member of the 1st Tennis team, the Senior Cross Country team, and co-captain of the 1st XI Hockey side. At representative level, Fergus is a member of the Otago U18 Hockey team and the NZ U18 Hockey squad.

Please find attached below the full prizegiving list.

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