Last week, the ASHS whānau came together to celebrate the achievements, effort, and growth of our students at our annual Celebrations of Excellence.
Across three special events – Year 11 and 12 Prizegivings on Wednesday, followed by the Year 13 Graduation and Prizegiving on Friday – our community gathered to recognise not only academic success, but also the creativity, leadership, and compassion that define our learners.
Below highlights the incredible achievements of our Year 13 students, whose efforts, resilience, and commitment have set a shining example for the years to follow. Friday’s Graduation was truly one to remember – a packed theatre and cafe filled with proud whānau and staff all gathered to honour the Class of 2025.
ASHS Top Scholars 2025.
Year 13 Top Scholars
Each year, we celebrate our Top Scholars – students who have achieved outstanding academic results across their subjects. Our Finalists for 2025 were Kirsten Bentley, Paige Bohm, Ria Nielsen, Michelle Nonato, Jayden Pye, and Mariane Kate Veran.
Proxime Accessit 2025
Ria Nielsen: With an impressive 92% Excellence ratio at Level 3, Ria’s academic achievement and dedication set a remarkable standard for success.
Dux 2025
Mariane Kate Veran: Earning three subject prizes and achieving a 95% Excellence ratio at Level 3, Mariane’s results exemplify hard work, perseverance, and excellence in every sense.
We are incredibly proud of both Ria and Mariane, and look forward to seeing all they accomplish in the future.
Ria Nielsen, 2025 Proxime Accessit (L), and Mariana Kate Veran, 2025 Dux.
The ASHS LEGACY Awards
This year marked the introduction of a very special honour – the ASHS LEGACY Awards, created by Cassandra Mutter and Bella Hope as part of their Year 13 Legacy Impact Project.
LEGACY stands for Love, Empathy, Generosity, Authenticity, Compassion, and You – values that define who we are at ASHS. Unlike academic or sporting awards, these are the people’s choice, celebrating one student and one staff member who embody kindness, authenticity, and community spirit.
The inaugural Teacher LEGACY Award was presented to Esther Leefe, described by students as “the most encouraging, kind, and joy-filled teacher they’ve known.” Esther’s energy, empathy, and genuine care make her classroom a welcoming and uplifting space for all.
The inaugural Student LEGACY Award was presented to Grace Price, recognised for her silent leadership, compassion, and resilience. Thoughtful, humble, and kind, Grace has been a steady source of support for others – always leading with heart.
Esther Leefe (L), and Grace Price, ASHS LEGACY Award Winners.
ASHS Impact Project Awards
The Impact Project Starter Gold Award for 2025 was presented to Neve Melville, Grayson Schliebe, and Karenza Taljaard for their project Stitch: Dog Coats. Using creativity and compassion, this team designed and made dog jackets and toys to support the Saving Hope Foundation, donating their creations to help animals in need.
ASHS Bronze for Impact Project 2025
Wonkies – Beatrice Gatchalian and Natalie Limberger
A standout example of innovation and perseverance, this duo designed and produced original “Wonkies” plushies, selling out within 30 minutes at their first showcase. Their continued development and expansion into crocheted clothing highlight an impressive entrepreneurial spirit.
ASHS Silver for Impact Project 2025
Let’s Go – Grace Borton, William Chamberlain, Kamdyn Copeland, Cinamyn de Souza, Annika Hougger Mearns, Hayden Kelly, Nick Lodge, Penny Lovell, Julia Rowe, Zalea Southern-Vasey, and Jessica Taylor
This ambitious team planned and managed every aspect of a multi-day expedition to Nelson and the Abel Tasman, applying design thinking to logistics, safety, and budgeting. Their project exemplified teamwork, leadership, and resilience in real-world learning.
ASHS Gold for Impact Project 2025
Kōrero Hour – Spix Brunton, Hunter Glen-Wood, Isabella Green, Jacob Hitchcock, and Geet Jain
This dedicated team brought student voice to life through their publication, Kōrero Hour. By celebrating creativity, achievements, and stories from across our community, their work has had a lasting impact on ASHS culture and connection.
ASHS Gold for Impact Project 2025 Winners, Kōrero Hour.
Top Gateway Impact Project
Nirvana Fairey-Foster
Nirvana’s hard work and passion have earned her a place as the only Auckland student selected for the 2026 Smedley Station Cadetship – one of just thirteen nationwide. This outstanding achievement reflects her dedication to excellence and her bright future in the farming industry.
Top Gateway Impact Project Winner, Nirvana Fairey-Foster.
Ngā Rau o te Whāriki Award
This special award recognises students who have demonstrated excellence across all three strands of our ASHS curriculum – Tutorial, Impact, and Specialist Subjects – and who embody our key learning dispositions: Engagement, Learning Relationships, and Managing Self.
Like the woven strands of Te Whāriki, these attributes form the foundation of success for every learner at ASHS.
This year, we are proud to acknowledge Elliott Borland, Charlotte Dugmore, Jacob Hitchcock, Caitlyn Mills, Grace Price, Charlotte Searle, and Beau Watkins as recipients of a Ngā Rau o te Whāriki Award.
Congratulations to all our award recipients and to every student who has shown growth, courage, and commitment this year.
As we close another year at ASHS, we celebrate not just excellence – but the heart, creativity, and collaboration that make our community thrive.
