Avleen Kaur has a reputation at Te Awamutu College for solving problems.
Te Awamutu News 7 November 2024
The Year 13 student, who won the dux award last week, is tackling the problem of a shortage of medical professionals after winning a $10,000 scholarship from the University of Auckland.
Avleen, 18, is planning to study for a Bachelor of Health degree and a career in healthcare and medicine.
“I’d like to become a general practitioner,” she said. “I am planning on coming back here to Te Awamutu.”
Born in Wellington, Avleen moved to Te Awamutu with her family in 2008.
“There’s such major shortage of doctors that waiting times are ridiculously long. It’s absolutely ridiculous how long you have to wait to get well again.”
Avleen has a special interest in the brain and is also considering specialising in neurology.
“There’s so much we don’t know about the brain,” she said.
Coming up roses
Te Awamutu Rose Society’s 60th anniversary Spring rose show attracted plenty of interest at the weekend. The rose-covered 60th anniversary jubilee sign was put together by Lisa Fisher, aided by Rose Society treasurer Lorraine Flynn; the structure was made by the Te Awamutu Menzshed. The society was given permission to use roses from the Te Awamutu Rose Gardens for the display – they then filled in the gaps with blooms and green foliage donated by members. Photo and Story: Viv Posselt.
The scholarship, alongside a $5000 dux award, was announced at the school’s senior prizegiving awards night last week.
It is the third year in a row Avleen has received an award, having been top of Years 11 and 12 in the last two years.
She was presented the Ag Freeman Medal for Dux Litterarum and $5000 from Canon New Zealand area sales manager David Balsom, who sponsored the award, alongside Waipā District mayor Susan O’Regan.
She was first presented seven first in subject cups by Te Awamutu College principal Tony Membery after attaining all 52 credits attempted at excellence level.
Avleen was presented the KF Miller Cup for biology, the McKinnon Cup for chemistry, the Cath Parr Cup for English extension, the Senior English Essay Cup, the Bill Crombie Cup for mathematics and statistics, the Rutherford Cup for physics, and the Mathewson Cup for excellence in the sciences.
She was also presented the Norris Hall Cup for best debater, Waikato Secondary Schools’ Debating Best Speaker Trophy. She is a member of the New Zealand Sikh Society for whom she has done speeches and presentations in Punjabi as part of its schooling programme.
Avleen has also served on various college committees and privately tutored a student in English and science.
Reed Waugh received the Mexted Cup for Proxime Accessit, and $2500, from the mayor.
Avé Culpan won the General Excellence Cup Year 13 Cup for academic, cultural, participatory, service and sporting achievements.
Sienna Sanders and Xavier Scott were presented RSA Peace Scholarships of $2000 each by Lou Brown for contribution, service and leadership.
Avé Culpan and Ruben Kasper received the Rotary Shield for Service to the School from Te Awamutu Rotary Club Youth Director Vicky Wallis.
Sophie Yarndley received the Waipā District Council Service to the Community Award from the mayor in recognition of her work chairing the school’s Service Committee.
2024 Ball Committee chair Olivia Bell won the Te Awamutu Business and Professional Women Trophy for Initiative and Enterprise. The June 22 ball was called A Night in Ancient Greece.
Ruth Downs received the General Excellence Cup Year 12 2024 Trebilco Cup for academic, cultural, participatory, service and sporting achievement.
Te Awamutu College announced, in September, it would not accept students from outside its year-old zone – because it is full in 2025.
