East Otago High School pupil Kieran Ireland believes Palmerston has been well and truly highlighted on the map after he and two of his fellow pupils won awards at the New Zealand Maatangi Whenua Year 11 Geography Competition in Wellington.
At the end of the two-day competition, Kieran was named winner of the individual competition and along with his team-mates Matthew McLellan and Anthony St Clair, gained third place in the team event.
While the trio were delighted with the results, Matthew said the placing was particularly satisfying because they beat some high-profile schools in the process.
"It's great - especially since we beat Shirley Boys' High School [from Christchurch].
"We wanted to get best school in the South Island, and we did. Not bad for a little country school.
"It's definitely put East Otago on the map."
Team activities included identifying significant major natural and cultural events which occurred in 2010 from photographs and information, and oral presentations on the region the competitors came from.
They also analysed new technologies which were now being used in the world, and participated in an extensive field trip in Central Wellington, gathering detailed information on the changes which have taken place there.
Hamilton Boys' High School and Palmerston North Boys' High School were first and second respectively in the event.
Also during the two days, contestants participated in individual activities, including essay writing and analysing video presentations.
Kieran won and is now hoping to be selected to represent New Zealand at the International Geography Olympiad in Cologne, Germany in 2012.
He will be one of 12 competitors from this year's final and next year's final who will be considered for the New Zealand team during a selection camp to be held next year.
Four people will be chosen for the team.
Until then, Kieran says all he can do is keep up with his geography study.
"I could always know more about geography. I've got my fingers crossed in the meantime."
