Soana Pamaka, Principal of Tamaki College
has no hesitations in recommending Helena for a First Foundation
Scholarship: 'Helena made history by being the first Tamaki College
Student to achieve NCEA Level 1 endorsed with Excellence. This was
achieved through a combination of natural ability, good
organisation and sheer hard work. As a school we have repeatedly
seen the impact that a First Foundation Scholarship has on the
lives of young people and the benefits and advantages they
experience. I am in no doubt that Helena will take the 'bull by the
horns' with regard to the scholarship, as this is her approach to
all that she undertakes.' In 2009, Helena was awarded Top Year 11
Academic Student, The Diane Reed Cup for Science and first in Year
11 Mathematics, Science and Music.
Helena completed the Silver Crest and Junior Scientist Awards with
the Liggins Institute. She is a member of the Senior Choir,
Debating team, Chess Club and Peer Reading Program. Leadership
positions she has held include CEO of her SELL Program team and the
Music Senior of the Music department. Helena was the Stage Manager
and Creative Director for her school's Stage Challenge Performance.
She was also selected to attend the Halogen National Young Leaders
Day 2010 conference. Helena is also a member of the New Zealand
Cadet Forces and various Youth Groups, for which she attributes
gaining many important life skills such as leadership, discipline,
persistence and time management.
Helena is still weighing up her options for tertiary study but her
passion for science and animals is drawing her towards zoology at
this stage. Other areas of interest to her are advertising,
business, music and design. Helena is New Zealand Maori and the
third youngest of seven children. She will be the first of her
generation to gain a tertiary level education.
"Helena stood out from her peer group because of her incredible
energy. She was thoughtful and articulate, humorous, and
insightful. We had the sense that she is a young woman of
commitment and determination who will go a long way" - Gil Sewell,
Leadership and OD Consultant