Jacob's achievements win award

ACHIEVEMENT: Paraparaumu Beach School's Outstanding Achiever Jacob Waugh receives his award from Te Radar.

I've been bungy jumping and parachute jumps but the scariest thing I've ever done is standing in front of all of you.

Te Radar

Success at national and regional level in the sport of karate earned 12-year-old Jacob Waugh the Outstanding Achievement Award presented by Paraparaumu Beach School's Board of Trustees.

Jacob was presented with his award by television personality, director and comedian Te Radar at a special assembly for Year 4 to 8 students held in the school hall last Wednesday.

The award acknowledged his commitment and passion for the sport of karate, not only for becoming a champion at regional and national level in the karate disciplines of kata and kumite but extending his studies to the Japanese language and assisting other karate students.

Since beginning karate five years ago Jacob had progressed to being a member of both the Wellington tournament and New Zealand national team.

In 2015 and 2016 he was the national kata champion, in 2015 he was national kumite champion and this year he was the runner-up and the Wellington regional kata and kumite champion.

His instructors and tutors had all spoken very highly of his efforts.

Paraparaumu Beach School principal Jess Ward said it was not only in his sport he excelled.

He was also a very good student and a respectful and helpful boy in his class.

His peers honoured Jacob with a rousing haka after Te Radar presented him with his award.

Te Radar gave an inspirational address to the school's pupils, complete with hilarious anecdotes.

"I've been bungy jumping and parachute jumps but the scariest thing I've ever done is standing in front of all of you."

He spoke of his own career and some of his more challenging moments, urging the youngsters not to let go of their dreams, even if other people tried to discourage them.

The Outstanding Achievement Award recognises students who have achieved success at a very high level, either in or out of school, in the sporting, academic, cultural pursuits or community service fields. It is presented only in years when there is deemed to be a student worthy of the honour.

This year three other students were recognised for their achievements - Tori Groute for swimming, Alec Prentice for golf and Otis Blake for running.