Student clinches Edinburgh Gold Award

Masterton Mayor Lyn Patterson, left, handed Rathkeale College student John McKeefry a Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award last week at a ceremony also attended by his mother Prue McKeefry. PHOTO SUPPLIED

A Rathkeale College student has distinguished himself as the only Wairarapa student so far this year to receive a Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award.

Masterton Mayor Lyn Patterson presented the award to student John McKeefry at an award ceremony last week, while Rathkeale College old boy Hugh Morrison-Thomas, who last year left the school, received a Gold Award at a ceremony held on August 15 at Government House.

Trinity Schools spokeswoman Natalie Finnigan said attainment of the prestigious Gold Award demanded "true commitment and perseverance, and both Hugh and John showed these qualities as they progressed through the award levels".

"Like all Duke of Edinburgh participants, both boys were involved in a range of sports, cultural and service activities, ranging from musical performance through to tree planting," she said.

The award ceremonies recognised the commitment both teens had brought to bear on to their academic and extra-curricular pursuits, with John saying the challenges boosted his focus on personal achievement.

"I have participated in the Duke of Edinburgh Award since Year 11. It has instilled in me a contagious urge to achieve what I initially perceived as impossible, and to realise my potential."

Rathkeale principal Willie Kersten says the Duke of Edinburgh programme was valued "because it provides a real opportunity for young men to display character and positive virtues". "The achievement of both boys is a testament to this," he said. "However, I can't mention the success of the boys themselves without thanking the staff who coordinate it; Liz Cheetham is the current co-ordinator and her commitment to the programme is a large factor in the boys' success," he said. John's father, Myles McKeefry, is the parent trustee on the Rathkeale College board of trustees and his mother, Prue, also attended the presentation ceremony at the school.