Happy 13th Birthday Ginny!

Another church sign:

Otago Girls High School 2008 Prize Giving

Some of the prizes ready to be given out

Teachers

The Otago Girls High School 2008 Prize Giving took place on Tuesday, 9 December at the Regent Theatre. Fa was picking up Corinna at the airport so she dropped Ginny and me off in front of the theatre at 5:30. I left Ginny to find her form class while I made my way upstairs to the family area. At 6:00 the Mihi Whakatau began, a Maori welcome, I believe, while the teachers and administrators made their way into the theatre. We rose and sang the national anthem and then the prize giving began. Mrs. Anderson, the principal, began

Chris Saxton, Chair, Board of Trustees

Band playing

announcing the award winners, which she would do for the next 2 1/2 hours. Ginny was awarded Honours for Form 9GB, the 2nd highest honour for her class, for Commendation in Mathematics, Science, Latin, French, English, Computing and Materials Technology. She walked across the stage, receiving the book “The Subtle Knife”, by Philip Pullman ($17.99 University Book Store, the price still on it). The other year 9 and 10 form classes followed. Each year was followed by a speech by one of the prefects. Years 11 and 12 prize winners followed, although not by form class (I’m not sure if they have form classes). It was very efficient, with each student listed in the programme, and times for applause were noted at appropriate places. For year 13, the final year at OGHS, every student was announced, with her areas of study. Then the year 13 subject awards were awarded, followed by sports awards, special awards, Dean’s special prizes, service awards, and principals awards.

Nina Rillstone

Ginny after the prize giving, in the Octagon

The “keynote” speech was given by Nina Rillstone, New Zealand Marathon runner and former Head Girl at OGHS (1992). Finally, the Prestige awards were given out by Ms. Rillstone, which included many scholarships up to $2000. The highest award was “Dux of the School“, given to Patricia Larsen. At about 8:30 PM the ceremony was over. Even though it lasted 2 1/2 hours, it felt like it went by quickly. Overall I was very impressed with the quality of the girls at Otago Girls High School and I look forward to many more of these.

The Prize