The first detailed record of a St Hilda's prize giving that I can locate was in the 1898 16 December edition of the Otago Daily Times. One hundred and twenty five years ago students of St Hilda's were being honoured for their abilities in English, Languages, History, Mathematics, Science and Music. There were also prizes for Literature, Elocution, Needlework (plain and fancy), Church History, Divinity, Calisthenics and Deportment, Painting and Drawing. Book prizes, certificates and cups were presented as were a range of medals.

The senior student presented with the honour medal was voted for by the students and checked by the sisters. This was a prestigious medal to receive from your peers. The school also gave out conduct and attendance medals.

Over the years old girls or their families donate items of interest to the school. The two oldest medals we have in the archives collection were presented to Violet Watson for attendance in the years 1907-8 and 1909-11. These medals were donated to the school in 2022. Violet attended St Hilda's from 1906 until 1911. She was a prefect in her last year at school in 1911.

Early cups and medals rather than having the school crest engraved on them had a logo using the letters SHCS. Reading the back of the two medals it is astonishing to see them read "never absent never late". I wonder how many students would be able to match that feat in 2023?

Geraldine Corkery
Archivist