THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH HILLARY AWARD
The year ’ s Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Award activity started with a Silver expedition around Tongariro National Park . The intrepid group of 15 Silver level students followed the Tongariro Northern Circuit from Whakapapa Village around Mt Ngauruhoe to the Mangatepopo carpark . Along the way , the group scoured ‘ Mordor ’ and gazed at ‘ Mt Doom ’ from the comfort of the luxurious Waihohunu Hut . The final day of the expedition involved traversing the famous Tongariro Crossing , albeit in the opposite direction to the hordes of tourists completing the day walk . Unfortunately , the qualifying Silver kayaking expedition around the Queen Charlotte Sounds was postponed until the start of 2022 due to Covid .
At the Bronze level another 63 students started the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze award . Despite the disruption and difficulties caused by Covid-19 , a large number of these students have managed to complete all of the requirements of the award and have received their Bronze badges . This is a wonderful effort and
shows a real commitment made by these students to reach their potential . As always , students have participated in a wide range of activities to meet the requirements of each section including . Amongst many other things participants have offered community service to neighbouring schools , coached junior teams , helped at libraries and assisted the elderly . We are very proud of the contribution these young people have made to our community .
Finally , we are delighted to be able to recognise the efforts of Rani Williams , Connor Grant and Ella Wroe who have each completed their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Awards this year . These students have worked hard over the last four years to complete the requirements of the highest level of the award . Each of these students will be presented with their awards at an official Gold award ceremony next year .
Mr Joel Wilton , Co-ordinator of the Duke of Edinburgh ’ s Hillary Award .
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