Our achievers acclaimed

"If the HDC closed its doors - how long would it take before people noticed - a few days, a week? But if all the volunteers stopped, you can guarantee we'd all know about it within the hour," said Hauraki Mayor John Tregidga at the annual Hauraki District Council 2010 Citizen and Young Achiever awards evening last Tuesday.
Along with citizens from the wider Hauraki district, four from Waihi were acknowledged for their commitment to the community.
More than 40 years' service to almost every aspect of indoor basketball was not enough to keep Desmond Mulhern "off the streets". He was also acknowledged for his involvement in Waimata School and public hall, Waikato District Health Board, Club 64 - where he helped organise weekends in Waihi for physically disabled adults, and being a Justice of the Peace. He has given thousands of hours to the community and is still active on the Waihi Budget and Sport'n'Action committees.
Pam Mercer's garden is well known for its role as a venue for fundraising events over the years. Pam has been involved in the Waihi Dahlia Club and the Waimata Garden Circle, where she has held a number of official positions. She has been actively involved in netball since 1965 and was made a life member of the centre in 1995.
The name St John and Lois Watkins have gone hand in hand in Waihi for half a century and Lois was awarded life membership of Waihi Netball for her long service for sideline medical support. She was also on duty at rugby and dirt track race days. She has been made an Officer of the Order of St John and received her 52-year laurel.
"Lois is a quiet, positive worker who never seeks praise or recognition," said her nominator.
Jennifer Chappel's longest-serving accolade has been 36 years of service in netball and close on its heels is her 25-year stint with Hack and Hunters. She has been secretary, treasurer, president, committee member, chief steward, junior judge and coach for athletics, college PTA, junior rugby, as well as the Dahlia and Floral Art clubs, Waimata Garden Circle - and she is still involved in netball today.
Young achievers from all over the district were also recognised including three from Waihi College.
At 16 years old, Rebecca Richards is the youngest Year 13 student at Waihi College and is first to put her hand up to be involved in events. Rebecca puts other students before herself. Chair of the school magazine committee and editor of this year's college book, she also organised the Hauraki District Council Youth Week - Eva Maria Workshop and plays netball and football.
As Waihi College academic leader, Year 13 student Amy Garrett has organised and tutored a group that helps improve reading and writing in the junior school and has been involved in the Model United Nations Assembly nationals, which focus on human rights.
Jack Kingsford is a dedicated surfboat rower and rugby player and is also involved in swimming, athletics, tennis, triathlon and squash. Diagnosed with dyslexia, he puts in a lot of effort with his school work and isintent on achieving his academic goals. "He often focuses on helping and supporting others to succeed, in situations where most others look to forwarding their own interests," Jack's nominator said.
In giving each young achiever a certificate and framed photo, Mayor John Tregidga acknowledged that, "It's these young achievers who will move on to greater things and let's not forget, they will also be paying our superannuation one day."