Sophia van Heezik - Worthy Recipient of the 2020 Sir Peter Blake Award

At our end of term assembly, not only did Sophia receive her Gold Citizenship badge, but was announced as our well deserved recipient this year, by Allen Anderson, Manager of the South Dunedin Westpac Bank.

Sophia has received many academic awards, from curriculum and the  Platinum Reading badge to Distinction in ICAS exams.  She has stepped up to responsibility as a School Councillor, Road Patroller and House Leader, to name a few.  She is a member of Performing Arts groups as well as involved in top sports teams of athletics, netball and hockey.

Sophia use her wages from her pamphlet run to donate new books, board games and puzzles to the Dunedin Hospital Children’s wing, new pet beds, blankets and food to the SPCA, assists with the Christmas Toy appeal and Salvation Army Can appeal. She supports residents at the Brooklands Retirement Village on outings, gets involved in rubbish clean ups around Dunedin, cleans, gardens and keeps an elderly  relative company on a regular basis.

Sophia naturally demonstrates the Sir Peter Blake ideals without pretention, showing integrity, a determination to succeed, great team building and leadership. She is very hard working and does know how to have fun, but most importantly, is an extremely grounded and solid Tahuna citizen, who epitomizes all the values we encourage in our students.  

Congratulations Sophia, we are all very proud of you, along with your family and  Y7 & 8 teachers, as seen below.