Dannevirke: College takes out top prizes at convention

Benjamin Ellington, (left), Josiah Max and Joel Dean won trophies for being overall winners in their category at the Ace student convention.

Months of hard work by staff and students at Totara College paid off when students took out top prizes at the National Ace Convention in Auckland.

Ace - Accelerated Christian Education - caters for schools and home-school students all over the world and once a year many of these students come together for four days to compete in a variety of activities, including areas as diverse as embroidery and chess, to basketball and athletics.

Principal Debbie Max and teacher Jonny Max, (far right), with students at the National Ace Convention in Auckland.

The seven students who represented Totara College performed admirably in these competitions with 13 firsts, 23 seconds and 23 thirds, a delighted teacher Jonny Max said.

"The Ace convention awards a trophy for the overall winners of the various categories and in past years Totara has not won any of these," he said. "This year however, Totara College was able to lock away not one, but two of these impressive cups in their trophy cabinet."

Students won an athletics cup, shared by Joel Dean and Josiah Max, and platform which was awarded to Benjamin Ellington.

"Most importantly however, Totara students had a wonderful time relating to other like-minded students from around New Zealand making new friends and playing games until midnight," Mr Max said.

"Each night of the convention the students had a rally which included an inspirational Christian speaker.

"On the way home the students' hard work was rewarded by a visit to natural hot pools in Taupo where they were able to soak their weary bones and reminisce on a fun-filled week."