In an evening where Mel Holden (pictured above, right) and Robin Meijer (left) were named Dux and Proxime Accessit, Katie Schofield was named Māori Academic of the Year and $100,000 in Scholarships were handed out, there was much to celebrate at the Upper Hutt College 2024 Senior Prizegiving.

The school was honoured to have Rt. Hon Chris Hipkins and Mayor Wayne Guppy attend and present awards during the evening.

The emergence of a very strong and dedicated Kapa Haka group, along with our Poly Group was evident with performances throughout the night showcasing their great talent.

Principal Judith Taylor reflected on the many successes of the year, as well as the current challenge for many schools to staff technology areas.

The student leaders for 2025 were also announced with Aryanna Billington and LaDainian Aranga-Tuilaepa named as Head Girl and Head Boy.

2024 Head students Emily Blackadder and Will Robinson delivered a memorable valedictory speech, speaking of many unforgettable moments from their years at school.  This was backed up by the Year 13's performing a memorable and very much celebratory dance reflecting what an outstanding year group they have been. The dance was fully choreographed and directed by students Emily Blackadder, Caitlin Holmes, Kellie Shone and Olivia Leiper.

In the year long House Competition it was Te Kanawa House that came out on top, with leaders Will Robinson and Elizabeth Kananghinis happily accepting the trophy on behalf of the House.

Please see other articles in relation to the evening:

• Student leaders for 2025

• Scholarship winners

Below is a list of the major awards winners at each level as well as service, cultural and sporting honours.

Premier Awards – Academic Excellence

• Peter Amies Cup for Dux - Mel Holden

• Peter Lee Cup for Proxime Accessit - Robin Meijer

• Jackie Awa Mana Ōrite Award for Māori Academic of the Year - Katie Schofield

• David Te Maipi Trophy for Modelling the Principles of the Upper Hutt College Mission Statement - Emily Blackadder

• Norma Talacek Award for High Achieving Student - Eden Ingerson

• Scott Cup for Academic Excellence in the Arts - Ellie Cowley

Premier Awards – Principal’s Excellence Award

For gaining 100% of internally assessed credits at Excellence level

• Eden Ingerson

• Mel Holden

• Azra Shaiful

• Emily Blackadder

• Zoe Peterson

Premier Awards – Service and Leadership

• Douglas Ormrod Memorial Cup for Outstanding Leadership and Service -Will Robinson

• Silver Jubilee Cup for Outstanding Commitment in both Academics and Service - Emily Blackadder

• Audrey Harper Cup for Service to the College - Sofia Johnson

• David Scott International Cup for Outstanding Participation and Achievement - Helena Volk

• Nicola Meek Cup for Contribution to Community Service - Cory Hay

• Upper Hutt College Parent-Teacher Association President's Trophy for Contribution to School Life - Garrett Amyes

• Ayrton Cup for Contribution and Commitment to Upper Hutt College -Eliza Khan

• Ayrton Cup for Contribution and Commitment to Upper Hutt College - Kash Tapa

Cultural and Sporting Honours

• Upper Hutt College Cup for Māori Sports Person of the Year - Will Robinson

• Colin McConie Cup for Sports Person of the Year - Meagan Stokes

• Cindy Ritossa Memorial Trophy for Outstanding Contribution to the Performing Arts - Sofia Johnson

• Mapihi Maurea Award for Top Student in Māori Studies - Olivia Wallace

• Excellence in Kapa Haka Performance - Ella Haenga

• Excellence in Kapa Haka Performance - LaDainian Aranga-Tuilaepa

Year 12 Major Awards

• Philip Stopforth Cup for Outstanding Year 12 Student - Olivia Trevean

• Parent-Teacher Association Cup for 1st in Year 12 - Zoe Petersen

• Shirley Harris Cup for Overall Contribution in Year 12 (jointly awarded) - Hannah Elise-Soper & Aryanna Billington

Year 11 Major Awards

• Turner Family Cup for Commitment to Wider School Life in Year 11 (jointly awarded) - Layla Martin-Smith & Mia Montgomery

• Upper Hutt College Cup for 1st in Year 11 - Pippi Campbell