Bridie McGeown
The St Kevin’s College head girl has already done two University of Canterbury papers, in criminal justice and political science, this year, and also took a paper in international relations and a theology paper at the University of Otago.
The 17-year-old was first in level 1 English, history, drama, physical education, first equal in year 12 scripture reading and first equal in creative writing.
She plans to study law at the University of Otago in 2026, after taking a working gap year next year to save money for university.
‘‘With these interests, law seems like the natural progression and something I feel can lead to interesting places.
‘‘At this stage my interest lies in corporate and/or intelligence law, but I am open to other careers in the field.’’
She hopes to achieve a bachelor of arts alongside a bachelor of laws (LLB).
Bridie has been on the school debate team since year 10, with the school team placing first in the past five years at the annual debating competition, the Bishop’s Shield.
As the forward-thinking captain of the senior side this year she was named best speaker at the debate.
‘‘I believe my interest in history and English has provided me with the groundwork to tackle law, while debating serves as an extension of that and challenges me to think about arguments from different perspectives.’’
Achievements
First in level 1 English, history, drama, physical education; first equal year 12 scripture reading; first equal creative writing (2022); level 1 overall excellence endorsement (2022); junior contribution to college life (2022); first in year 12 history, classical studies, English, photography, speech; Dean & Associate prize for critical thinking, year 12 aggregate; best speaker senior debate; first in year 13 religious studies (2023); level 2 overall excellence endorsement (2023); level 2 course endorsement at excellence: English (2023); level 2 course endorsement at merit: history, classical studies (2023); level 3 course endorsement at excellence: religious studies (2023); merit endorsement: physical education (2023); St Kevin’s College senior debate captain (2023, 2024); winning Bishop Shield debate team (2022, 2023); head girl St Joseph’s School (2019); head girl St Kevin's College (2024); North Otago netball under-16 representative (2022); North Otago netball under-18 representative (2024); under-15 girls athletic cup, St Kevin’s College (2022); under-16 girls athletics, the Shea Cup, St Kevin’s College (2023); Netball South youth advisory board representative (2023).
Role models
My teachers, family members and especially the women of the mighty Maheno Netball Club. People from all walks of life who have faced all kinds of adversity only to come out stronger on the other side.
Hopes for the future
To work in intelligence and security law.
Jacob Harrison
The St Kevin’s College head boy is aiming to study health science at the University of Otago and has the ultimate goal of becoming a doctor.
The 18-year-old is an all-rounder with excellence endorsements, a college cultural leader and national success in rowing.
‘‘My life building up to this so far has been all about learning and being able to switch into gear in my classes and sports, and developing life skills that are going to help me achieve my goals.’’
With Cambridge maths under his belt, Jacob has also been studying physics, chemistry and biology to prepare for health science and hopes to specialise in a medical field after his first year at university.
At the start of 2024 Jacob attended a ‘‘prefect camp’’ at Trinity Catholic College attended by other school students from New Zealand where he learned how to be successful as a prefect.
He says his achievement of being head boy has greatly helped in building towards his goals as he has become ‘‘incredibly more confident’’ talking to large crowds and small groups.
‘‘I wasn’t afraid of it, but when I speak I could feel myself shake in front of large crowds and now that doesn’t happen,’’ he said.
Jacob discovered a passion for rowing by accepting an invitation from fellow hostel members one weekend.
Now he has won medals in multiple crews at national and South Island regattas.
He has also excelled at winter sports, being a part of the school’s Top V basketball team that attended the A South Island premierships in September and the 1st XI football, valuing his team members.
‘‘[I enjoy] surrounding myself with like-minded people who I know will hold me accountable, and not dropping sports as I get older, to keep learning the values that there are to learn in team sports.’’
Achievements
Head boy, 2024; St Kevin’s College SADD leader (2023-24); St Kevin’s College student council (2023-24), NCEA level 1 and 2 endorsed with excellence (2022-23), Cambridge maths (2019-20); Rowing - South Island Club Champs, silver, men’s novice four (2023); South Island Club Champs silver, men’s novice quad (2023); Rowing NZ National Championships, silver, men’s novice four (2023); Rowing NZ national championships, gold, men’s intermediate eight (2023), SISS bronze, men’s novice four (2023); most improved novice male (2023); basketball senior top V (2023-24); football senior first XI (2023); Football senior first XI (2023).
Role model
As cliché as it is, my role models are my parents. They are incredibly hard-working people who would do anything for me and my siblings. They are also very kind and caring and I try my best to model myself after them.
Hopes for the future
To become a doctor.
