Waitaki Boys' High School

Cade Hamilton

Cade Hamilton's approach is to simply put his best foot forward in whatever he does.

As a sportsman, leader and student the 18-year-old’s hard working and competitive nature has helped him reach his goals.

‘‘I always want to be the best I can.

‘‘I’ve always wanted to be a leader to push myself out of my comfort zone.’’

He got his competitive attitude from his father who often cheered him on from the sidelines.

Cade started pushing himself out of his comfort zone at a young age when he began playing in his older sister’s hockey team in primary school so his parents could make both theirs and their brother’s sports games.

By the time he made it to high school he was prepared to handle the pressure of playing against people older than him and joined his brother’s team, who is four years older.

‘‘Having my brother in my team, he always knew how I played and my abilities.

‘‘He always had the confidence in me to have a crack at playing and he never worried that I was going to be a liability in the team.’’

This past year as head boy went by fast, but he has had some amazing experiences.

Next year he is considering going to university to study a degree in science or agriculture.

Achievements

Head boy (2024); 1st XI hockey captain (2023 and 2024); McCulloch Cup intermediate cross-country champion (2022); 1st XI hockey most valuable player (2022); NCEA level 1 merit endorsed (2022); Waitaki Boys’ junior multisport athlete (2021); Waitaki Boys’ junior sportsman of the year (2021); Waitaki Boys’ athletics champion (2021).

Role models

Parents Sarah and Blair Hamilton.

Hopes for the future

To feel accomplished, see the world and have his own farm.

Josh Kane

Becoming a leader drove a change in attitude for Josh Kane, 18.

When he became a senior member of the Waitaki Boys’ High School First XI hockey team he realised it was not enough to just play his part in the game plan but to help make one.

‘‘I’m one of the leaders in the team now and I have to lead by example, and I guess that starts by playing hard — not sitting back — and doing your job.

‘‘Initially when I was younger I took it more chill but I’m more hungry for the ball now, I’m more determined now.’’

He admitted he was not the best player on the field when he began playing hockey but stayed committed to it because he enjoyed it.

His achievements were a result of his hard work on and off the field, coming from a family that was not that into sport.

To his surprise Josh also had a great year doing athletics.

He had never trained for running but ended up coming first in the Aoraki secondary schools boys under-19 800m.

This year he was the deputy head boy and community prefect at Waitaki Boys’ and was proud to be helping organise the Run76 event — an overnight cross-country event to raise awareness for men’s mental health.

Next year he plans to attend the University of Otago to study a double major in history and commerce.

Achievements

Deputy head boy and community prefect (2024); head of student council (2024); North Otago men’s hockey team (2024); 4th in Wanaka Challenge (2024); Aoraki Secondary Schools 1st in triathalon and 1st in 800m, 2nd in 400m, 5th in 200m runs (2024); South Island Championships 1st triathalon and 5th in 800m and 7th in 400m runs (2024); NCEA level 2 merit endorsed (2023); 1st in history (2023); Oamaru men’s division 1 hockey team (2023).