HEAD BOY 2009
The Principal of De La Salle College has no hesitation in
recommending Oliver for a First Foundation scholarship, describing
him as 'a man of direction, passion and integrity that is deserving
of this scholarship.' Oliver was one of the highest achievers of
his year level in NCEA Level 1, and is a contender for Year 12 Dux
this year.
A student at De La Salle since Year 7, Oliver has committed
himself to his school life, culturally, spiritually and sporting.
He is highly commended for his talent in rugby, soccer and
volleyball, as well as being part of the College Samoan group who
took part in the ASB Polynesian Festival. He represents the school
at inter-school student delegations, interviews and discussion
programmes which Oliver considers valuable in developing his
leadership skills. Above all, Oliver is recognised for leading by
example, and his commitment to the school community shows forth in
his willingness to volunteer his time to help others. He is a Peer
Support Leader to Year 7 and 8 students, a member of the College
Lasallian Youth Ministry Team, and on his weekends helps out with
the College fundraising schemes by cleaning cars, doing sausage
sizzles and helping at fairs.
As well as his strong desire to please those at school, Oliver
shows real dedication and love for his mother and a desire to make
the most of himself to make her proud. He sees all the effort and
hard work she puts in to raising him under difficult circumstances
and wants to be the best that he can be at everything he does.
Oliver is passionate about becoming a Civil Engineer and being part
of the Building Industry. He recognises that with the First
Foundation Scholarship his dream to attend University is not only
in his sights, but also in reach.
John Watson, Human Resources Manager at Siemens has the
following to say about choosing Oliver: 'The one thing that stood
out for us when we interviewed Oliver was his positiveness towards
life and the goals he wanted to achieve through that. We saw a lot
of potential in Oliver and throughout the interview we neither
laughed nor cried, but what was inspirational about him was his
sheer determination to succeed against the odds that he saw around
him and through the support he was getting from his family.'