Ruth Downs

This year, the subjects I am taking are English Extension, Mathematics with Calculus, Chemistry, Biology, and Sport Science. I obtained both NCEA Level 1 and 2 with Excellence, and I aim to achieve NCEA Level 3 to a high standard this year.

During my schooling years here at Te Awamutu College I have enjoyed playing volleyball since Year 10, netball for school from Year 11, last year playing in the Senior Premier teams for both sports and will continue in these sports this year.

I enjoy being a part of various committees, which allow me to contribute to school life. I look forward to taking on this role as Head Student and fulfilling my duties the best I can.

In 2025, I also plan to continue to make the most of opportunities that may come my way and enjoy time with my friends and peers for our last year of college.   ​​​​​​​

Libby Haynes

The subjects that I am taking this year are Mathematics with Calculus, Chemistry, Geography, Physics and Food Technology. I have achieved NCEA Level 1 and 2 with Excellence which I am grateful to have obtained while maintaining balance between my social, sport and schooling workloads.

Throughout my time at Te Awamutu College, I have played volleyball since Year 9. Along with this I have been fortunate enough to captain the Senior Premier Girls team in Year 12 and had the opportunity to co-coach the Junior Premier Girls Volleyball Team in 2023. I am excited to continue playing volleyball in the Senior Premier team for my final year at school.

This year I am eager to further improve my leadership skills with our awesome Student Executive team and to be a supportive and reliable leader to my peers in school and sport.  I hope to fulfill my role as Head Student to the best of my abilities, while still pushing myself in and outside the classroom. I am aiming to achieve NCEA 3 at a high standard to gain University Entrance as I am planning to study First Year Health Sciences next year.

Teina Beets

The subjects I am taking this year are English, Geography, Mathematics, Sport Elite and Sport and Recreation Studies, as well as opting for a study period. During the previous two years I have achieved NCEA Level 1 and NCEA Level 2 and am currently working towards achieving NCEA Level 3. I am eager to make the most of all opportunities presented and maintain a high standard of self-discipline.

Throughout my high school career, I have been involved in multiple Te Awamutu College sports teams, such as Premier Basketball in Year 9 and 10, the local and college athletics team, as well as Rugby U15’s in Year 9 and 10, and First XV Rugby in Year 11 where I was privileged enough to play for the NZ Harlequins U16’s and in Year 12, where I progressed into the NZ Harlequins U17’s. I am grateful to have been selected for multiple age grade representative teams since a young age and this year I am looking forward to further progressing not only as a rugby player and athlete, but also as a young man and achieve my full potential as a leader in and out of school.

My main focus for 2025, is to be a supportive and uplifting member of the Student Executive, but also to serve my peers of Te Awamutu College, whether it be a Year 9 newcomer, a fellow Year 13 or even a teacher, I am eager to be a helping hand. I am also grinding to further progress my rugby career. A few goals I have for myself this year are to achieve back-to-back First XV MVP, and to be selected into Waikato U18’s and Chiefs U18’s. I am ecstatic to live out this final chapter of my high school career and can’t wait to see what it has in store for me.

Rico Dorssers

The subjects I am taking this year are Sports Science, Sport Elite, Sport and Recreation Studies, Outdoor Education and Tourism and Travel. Over the last two years I pushed myself to pass NCEA Levels 1 and 2, and this year hopefully Level 3. I look forward to taking on my Head Student role this year and getting involved in as much as I can.

In my spare time I enjoy sports, music, piano, photography and the outdoors. I have played both junior and senior boys’ Premier basketball over my time here, as well as being part of the athletics team. Over the last 4 years I have managed to win the cross-country champion for the school 4 times and qualify for nationals twice. I also took home the boys’ athletics champion last year.

As I begin my final year of high school, I look forward to making the most of every opportunity that comes my way. It is in my best interest to be an inspiring role model to every student in the school and do so portraying my Christian morals as I further grow in my faith. I will strive to fulfil this role of Head Student to the best of my abilities. Next year I plan to start my journey to join search and rescue through police college, after first completing an apprenticeship in the trades – maybe through the army. The road ahead is unclear, but my dream is to help people.

Board Rep - Willow Lee

​​​​​​The subjects you'll see me in are English Extension, Mathematics and Statistics, Sports Science, Chemistry and Biology. I hope that next year I'll be off to Auckland to study paramedicine. I have gained both NCEA Level 1 and NCEA Level 2 and am currently working towards my NCEA Level 3.

This year I am looking forward to being a part of the Service and Ball Committees and taking advantage of as many amazing opportunities that TAC provides. My goal for 2025 is to pass Level 3 at a high standard, make the most of my last year at school and celebrate my house Pōhutukawa taking the win once again.  

I am a part of a group of ten Year 13 students who are in the Leadership Academy run by Waikato University, where I will gain skills and carry out a university standard paper. I plan to use my role as Student Representative to help the Board make beneficial changes for students at Te Awamutu College as well as be an inspiring and supportive role model.