OBHS 2021 Class Act recipientsReuben Cook and Boudewijn Keenan

Class Act 2021

The Otago Daily Times Class Act initiative identifies and celebrates the excellence of young people in our province.

This year the Otago Boys' High School recipients are Reuben Cook and Boudewijn Keenan. Congratulations to these fine young men.

Reuben Cook

Achievements: Deputy Head Boy (2021); NCEA level 1 and 2 with excellence; academic blues (2019, 2020); gold Maadi Cup U18 quad, bronze U18 double (2021); gold NZ Rowing Championships men's club double, silver men's club single (2021); gold South Island Secondary Schools U17 quad, gold U17 single (2020); NZ 1000m lightweight 15-16 ergometer record (3:08.0); NZ junior men's quad team (2021); Otago school boy rower of the year (2020, 2021); Stroke of Otago men's interprovincial 8+ (2019, 2020); school rowing club captain (2019-21); 1st XI football (2019-21); Southern national age group team (20018); 3rd Otago U17 boys cross-country (2019); 1st school athletics 1500m (2021).

Role model: "All the boys who have been before me at Otago Boys' rowing."

Hopes for the future: To study at the University of Otago or overseas, and trial for the Paris 2024 Olympic rowing team.


Boudewijn Keenan

Achievements: Prefect (2021); NCEA levels 1, 2, and 3 with excellence; academic blues (2019, 2020); National Youth Orchestra (2020, 2021), principal cellist (2020); NZCT Chamber Music Contest national semifinalist (2021); 3rd Dunedin Concerto Competition (2021); NZ Secondary Schools Symphony Orchestra (2018, 2019); Dunedin Symphony Orchestra (2020); Dunedin Youth Orchestra Young Musicians' Award (2020); A+ University of Otago Music 141 cello performance paper (2020); studying University of Otago 241 cello performance paper (2021); studying University of Canterbury math 199 (2021); 1st Otago-Southland Regional Schools Debating Championship (2021); Aotearoa Online Schools Debating premier grade quarterfinalist (2020); Duke of Edinburgh Bronze and Silver Awards.

Role model: Professional cellist Johannes Moser.

Hopes for the future: To continue studying music and performance cello at the University of Otago, possibly alongside French, physics or business.