Ella Youngman-Mark, Head Girl. Read more on how Ella and this prestigious award

Ella Youngman-Mark was taken by surprise when the Iho Pūmanawa award was presented to her.

"To be perfectly honest I am not sure why I was chosen to receive this award over anyone else," she said when asked about what has led to her receiving the award.

Iho Pūmanawa was donated to the College by Sir Mark Solomon in 2010 to recognise the highest achieving Māori student. Iho Pūmanawa is the name of the award and refers to a gifted person who is talented and clever. These attributes come from one’s ancestors and can be passed on to their descendants.

On reflection of her time at Villa Maria College and the activities she has been involved in, Ella thought that perhaps the following achievements have contributed to being this year's recipient of the Iho Pūmanawa award:

• VMC Kapa Haka member since Year 7
• Peer Support leader
• Played water polo for VMC since Year 7.
• Captained the VMC Senior A water polo team in 2022 and 2023
• Coached the VMC Year 7 & 8 and Year 9 &10 Water Polo Team
• 2022 NCEA Excellence Endorsed Overall and including
• Excellence Endorsed in Te Reo
• 2022 Ngā Manu Kōreo Participant
• 2023 Head Girl

"I feel incredibly honoured and proud to be this year's recipient of the Iho Pūmanawa award," Ella said.