Junior High School Dux 2025
The premiere academic award – the Junior High School Dux – is awarded to the student who has the highest overall academic achievement. This year’s Junior High School Dux award goes to Zoey Zhao.
Zoey’s teachers praise her for her motivation and her strong work ethic, insightful observations and the curiosity she brings to the classroom. She is a critical thinker and not afraid to ask questions to further her understanding. Zoey extends her curriculum interests into the co-curricular life of the school, enjoying the problem solving of activities like Epro8, mooting and mathex.
One of Zoey’s teachers said:
“She shows the traits of an inquirer by asking thoughtful, open-ended questions and making insightful connections between class concepts and wider societal issues. Her willingness to challenge assumptions enhances her learning and that of her peers.”
Zoey brings an energy to the classroom that demonstrates her passion for learning and her cheerful nature, strong work ethic and willingness to challenge herself make her a pleasure to teach.
Heritage Foundation C J Tunks Memorial Award for General Excellence
This Award is to be given to the pupil who in her last year in the Junior High School at Dio, through her commitment of energy, time and enthusiasm, has made the most outstanding contribution to the wellbeing of the School and/or its students.
This year the Award goes to Georgia Walton.
Georgia has consistently contributed to the wellbeing of our school community this year through her warmth, kindness, and genuine care for others. Georgia is a “walking warm fuzzy,” brightening every room she enters with her smile, her cheerful “good morning,” and her admirable compassion. She looks out for her peers and shows genuine respect and gratitude toward staff. Georgia’s willingness to give her time, energy, and enthusiasm to those around her reflects a deep commitment to our Dio community. Through her actions, both big and small – whether on the hockey pitch or in her tutor class – Georgia sets an outstanding example for others and is a truly deserving recipient of this award.
Olivia & Jemma Couillault Cup
This award represents the top prize at the Year 7 and 8 prize giving to match the CJ Tunks and Eliza Edwards awards at the Year 9 and 10 and prize givings. The cup has been donated by the Couillault family and named after Olivia and Jemma who were deputy head prefects in the consecutive years of 2018 and 2019. The Cup is awarded to a student who demonstrates the school values of Honesty, Integrity, Respectfulness and Empathy; a student who fully involves herself in the life of the school and understands the importance of the service to others that lies at the heart of our school.
The 2025 winner of the Olivia and Jemma Couillault cup is Lucy Walter.
Lucy’s kindness radiates throughout the Diocesan community; her positive impact on others often inspires people to write unprompted notes and emails to her dean sharing stories of her kind deeds.
Teachers admire her insatiable curiosity, strong focus, and integrity. Her genuine warmth, empathy, and openness help to build an inviting and supportive atmosphere wherever she goes.
Lucy’s positive attitude, generosity, and willingness to help others, combined with her natural leadership, make her a truly valued member of our school and a deserving recipient of this award.
Alumnae Association Awards
Ethel Sandford was Headmistress from 1926 to 1932. She was noted for her energy and determination as well as musical abilities. The Ethel Sandford Scholarship for Music 2025 goes to Stacey Chen.
Mary Pulling was our Founding Headmistress from 1904 to 1926. The Mary Pulling Award recognises students who show potential and an outstanding contribution to the School in a wide range of areas. Students currently in Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 who will be continuing their education at the School next year are eligible for these Awards. In making the selection, academic ability is a consideration, but the likely contribution of the student to the school is the deciding factor.
The winners of the Mary Pulling Award for 2025 are:
- Year 7: Madison Kay
- Year 8: Mila Morrison
- Year 9: Ruby Dhar
- Year 10: Chloe Tse Yee Liu
Sports Awards 2025
Junior High School Sportsperson of the Year – Henrietta Yarrell-Stevenson
In 2025 Henrietta was a member of the 10A netball team, Premier Swimming and Premier Waterpolo, excelling in all three. In netball Henrietta started the season with an injury but was a dedicated side line supporter. Back on court she contributed as both a shooter and a feeder.
Henrietta’s strongest impact has been in water polo. As the youngest member of the Premier team her presence, composure and confidence in the pool belie her age. She has recently returned from representing New Zealand in the Australian Stat Championships in Canberran and is also a member of the NZ U 18 and U16 World Champion ship squads.
Junior High School Outstanding Performance in Sport – Sarah Kennard
Sarah’s dedication, skill and commitment to Gymnastics maker her a truly deserving recipient of this award. Sarah has this year represented New Zealand at the World Olympic Gymnastics Academy Classic in Dallas, Texas. Her impressive results contributed to the New Zealand team finishing 3rd overall.
This is Sarah’s first season competing at the elite Junior International level and she was 1st on the beam and floor, 2nd in the bars and 2nd overall at the New Zealand Championships. She has just represented her country at the 2025 Artistic World Champs in Manila the Philippines.
Arts Awards 2025
The Junior High School Arts Person of the Year is Eve Lu.
Eve has represented Dio in choirs and orchestras since Year 3. She is currently Concert Master, and soloist, in both Dio Chamber Orchestra and Dio Symphony Orchestra.
She was the winner of the 2025 Concerto Competition and runner-up in the Aria Competition. Her Chamber group won the Junior Award and an Auckland Finalists Award at the NZCT Chamber Music Competitions.
Last year she achieved the highest marks nationally for her Licentiate of Trinity College, London Diploma and this year also gained LTCL Diploma in piano.
She is a member of St Cecilia Singers and is currently competing in Christchurch at the national finals of the NZ Concerto Competition.
Shelley Ryde Art Award
The Shelley Ryde Art Award is presented to a Year 10 student who demonstrates passion and talent in the Visual Arts and is continuing their studies in Year 11. Congratulations to Isobel Olding who is the recipient of this year’s Shelley Ryde Art Award.
Izzy is an exceptional art student whose creativity and outstanding technical skill is evident in all that she creates. A dedicated and passionate artist, she continually strives for the highest standards in her work. Her captivating self-portrait painting reflects her thoughtful and engaged approach to artmaking, along with her masterful technique and understanding of the medium.
Beyond her own achievements, Izzy is always willing to support and assist her peers in the art room. She is a promising young artist, and we look forward to seeing her continued development and creativity in the Visual Arts.
Ko Tātou Award
The class of 2020 donated this cup so we would have a formal recognition of the qualities of Ko Tātou. The award has been decided after considering student nominations.
This year the Ko Tātou Cup for Year 7 and 8 goes to Macey Gordon.
“Macy has consistently shown many — if not all — of our school values in everything she does. She is the kind of person who quietly makes a big difference. Macy is always willing to help me and our classmates, whether we are stuck on our work, confused about where to go, or feeling a bit lost during lunch. She notices when someone needs support and steps in without being asked. Even on tough days, she is kind, patient, and ready to listen. Macy is not just a helpful classmate — she is a reliable friend who makes our school a better place for everyone.”
This year the Ko Tātou cup for Year 9 and 10 goes to Vita Houtman.
“I would like to nominate Vita because I feel she embodies many of the Ko Tātou values such as honesty, respect, kindness and empathy, courage and confidence and displaying her own authentic self.”
“In the moments I spend time with her I never fail to notice the respect and empathy she has for everyone around her; you will never see Vita even squash a fly. Some may describe her as loud or energetic, but I think that is what ties her personality all together. I never fail to laugh or to smile when I am around her and I’m sure many would say the same, she has such a bubbly vibe about her that you just can’t not. She cares about her friendships and treasures them dearly. With Vita you have some exciting, energetic moments. But you can also have those calm, relaxing moments where it’s like a comfortable silence.”
“Vita is one of the best advice givers ever, she has this little thing called ‘Quote of the Day’ where she sends me little quotes that she has come up with and they could be funny, relatable, sharing advice, or just words to let me know I’m never alone. “
Junior High School Servant Leadership Cup
Congratulations to Vittoria Broadhurst who received the Junior High School Servant Leadership Cup.
Vittoria naturally leads through her presence. She may not seek the spotlight, yet her actions consistently place her at the heart of her cohort. Vittoria listens, supports others with genuine kindness, and shows a strong commitment not only to her own success but to the success of those around her.
Whether in the classroom, on the sports field, or through her dedication to Kapa Haka, Vittoria carries herself with humility, empathy, and quiet strength. She lifts others up simply by being herself, and her example sets a standard for her peers. Her steady, values-driven approach makes Vittoria a respected and valued leader within our school community, and she is truly deserving of this award.
Board Scholarships
This is a one-year scholarship in which the recipient will be awarded a 25% reduction in tuition fees for the following year.
Year 9 Board Academic Scholarships:
- Katie CHen
- Audrey Qin
- Cici Wang
- Sienna Worsnop
Year 10 Board Academic Scholarships:
- Isabella Foster
- Meher Gahunia
- Maebh Loveridge
- Zoey Zhao
Arts Scholarship:
- Year 7 and 8: Isabel Wong
- Year 9 and 10: Selina Shi
Sports Scholarship:
- Year 7 and 8: Ella van Schaik
- Year 9 and 10: Flora Stevens Oskam and Mika James
Remuera Lions Club Junior Citizen of Merit Award
The Remuera Lions club held their 58th Annual Junior Citizenship Awards. Congratulations to Sophia Bartlett who was the recipient from Dio.
Sophia is one of those rare people whose kindness shines in everything she does. Always the first to offer a helping hand, she shows care and respect to everyone around her, making others feel valued and included. This year, through the William Pike Challenge, Sophia has re-planted the wetlands at Point Wells, packed hampers for families in need, and even spent her own pocket money to buy groceries for homeless youth.
Her impeccable manners, generosity, and compassion embody the true spirit of citizenship. Sophia makes our community a brighter, kinder place.
