One Tree Hill College Academic Excellence Awards 2026

A recent formal occasion held in the college’s auditorium was the Academic Excellence Awards. These awards recognise students who had earned Merit and Excellence endorsements for NCEA Level 1 and 2 in 2025. This ceremony reflected the strong work ethic and dedication our students have towards their learning. The successes and challenges the students experienced to reach this milestone, highlights the importance of holding this assembly.  Principal Mr Coughlan presented these awards honouring the students who received their badges with pride. Deputy Principal Mrs McKnight, who organised the ceremony expressed how she felt about this special assembly.  “The badge is a public acknowledgment of excellence. It is a way of celebrating our students who consistently go above and beyond. The significance is that they built confidence and motivation, and we celebrate their hard work and perseverance.  It shows students have demonstrated strong learning habits, such as curiosity, critical thinking, and consistent engagement. It shows that students have set a high personal standard, aiming not just to pass, but to excel.” This memorable moment commemorates fulfilment and also raises self-esteem within our students and their peers. Excellence endorsee Tasmyn Breuker-Brown found the ceremony to be a meaningful experience, and added, “It felt great to be recognised for all the hard work we all put in, and to see the number of people within our school who are achieving at such high levels. It was a great inspiration and motivation for those of us to be recognised in this way.” This ceremony will inspire others to ‘strive for higher things’ to aspire for excellence in their learning.

Congratulations to all students who achieved Merit and Excellence endorsement in 2025 and wishing you good luck for your studies this year.

LISA CAMPBELL & ABISHA NISHANTHKUMAR - NEWS MEDIA TEAM