Waitakere College Arts and Cultural Awards

Every year in term three, Waitakere College presents an Arts and Cultural Awards evening where we celebrate those who have achieved highly in the arts or cultural side of learning such as communications, dance, music, visual arts and design technologies. We also have performances from a variety of culture groups in school, a fashion parade, a live band and each year has a special theme!

Last year I was lucky enough to be involved in the Arts and Cultural Awards evening, by taking part in the Fashion Parade as a model for the Year 11 fashion class as well the Performing Arts group and thought it was an amazing and fun experience and for that reason I will be taking part in it again this year. Last year our school was lucky enough to have two people from the cast of the hit New Zealand drama series, ‘Shortland Street’ present the drama and communication awards for a few lucky students.

There were some very special awards given out as well for students who had taken part in numerous arts and cultural events within the school and it was amazing to see what talents are within our school. The highlight of the evening is our supreme award called ‘Te Taumata Toi’ which is the school's top award for a student in our school with artistic and cultural endeavour. Last year’s winner, Sophie won this award for Exceptional Talents as an artist, outstanding achievement in Year 13 art painting, TTCF secondary art scholarship, fine contributions to the dramatic and musical life of the college, lead in our school show for the past three years - singer and actress, and leadership within the arts council.

The Arts and Cultural Awards evening is by far one my favourite events in the school to attend as well as being part of it because it is truly amazing just to see what talents are within our school.

Laura