Myah Scott and Logan Bell are the 2019 Class Act recipients for Cromwell College.
Myah Scott
Myah Scott
Cromwell College head girl Myah Scott has emerged as a gifted leader and orator in the school community.
The 17-year-old thinks her upbringing helped give her confidence as a speaker.
''It's always been something that has been encouraged - speaking when you feel you need to,'' she said.
This month she will travel to Christchurch to take part in the Model European Union Conference.
Last year she was one of two Cromwell College pupils awarded a scholarship by the University of Canterbury to complete papers at the Centre for European Studies.
At Cromwell College, she has been recognised for her debating and public speaking skills.
As a junior pupil, she won the junior debating cup in 2014-16.
Her exploits as a senior debater earned her best speaker in the Central/Lakes schools debating tournament last year and highly commended in 2017.
As first speaker for Cromwell College's senior debating team, she will be a key figure during next month's debating competitions.
Her debating prowess also makes her an ideal individual to represent her peers on the school board of trustees.
Myah will begin a double degree in politics and communication at the University of Otago next year.
''I would really like a career as a diplomat.
''Working for a government organisation like the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade really appeals to me.''
As head girl and a school leader, Myah has enjoyed working on projects such as Project PIE, which raises pride in the school.
''It stands for participation, inclusiveness and enthusiasm. We have activities which reward kids for getting involved.''
Working alongside the Rotary club and being a student representative on the Cromwell Youth Trust have been further highlights this year, she said.
She was ''grateful'' for the many opportunities she had received during her time at Cromwell College.
As a year 10 pupil, she was a member of the Cromwell College girls' 1st XI hockey team, which won the Jenny MacDonald Cup in 2016, and has played netball for the school's senior B team.
Achievements: Head girl (2019); cultural prefect (2019); board of trustees representative (2019); 3rd Central Otago Rotary Speech Competition (2019); UC Scholarship for European Union Studies paper at Model European Union conference (2018); founding member of Cromwell College Debating Club (2018); senior debating cup winner (2017-18); junior house leader (2016); 1st XI girls’ hockey team, (team 2016 Jenny MacDonald Cup winner); junior debating cup winner (2014-16).
Role model: She reflects qualities and attributes in the people she encounters.
Hopes for the future: To study politics and communication at the University of Otago.
Logan Bell.
Logan Bell
Cromwell College pupil Logan Bell (17) has distinguished himself in the creative fields of music, speech and drama.
Since 2011, he has completed London's Trinity College speech and drama examinations from grades one to eight with distinction.
In 2016, Logan received a New Zealand Exhibition Award from Trinity after he achieved one of the highest distinction marks in drama.
This month, he will complete his ATCL diploma in speech and drama.
His composure has lent itself well to his performing arts and academic accomplishments.
Logan says he tries ''not to take things too seriously''.
''It allows me not to get too stressed out, I think. I'm good under pressure.''
He first studied piano performance when he was 8, and began tuition in music in 2011.
Tested by the Associate Board of the Royal College of Music to grade eight, he achieved a merit with endorsement in his final exam last year.
In November he will sit his ATCL diploma in piano performance.
Logan has entertained elderly residents on the piano at the Ripponburn rest-home and Care and Friendship Group and his musical abilities have extended to the violin.
He has been a member of the Central Otago Youth Development Orchestra.
One of his idols has been American comic and performer Bo Burnham.
''He has an underlying message and he offers a commentary on society. He is probably the only person I have consistently looked up to.''
Logan is also an avid gamer and played squash for the Cromwell junior squash club.
He works part-time at BP Cromwell and McFarlanes Family Orchard.
Earlier this year, Logan was selected for the Borland Youth Leadership Camp - an experience he found rewarding.
He intends to pursue law and psychology studies at the University of Otago.
Logan said his time at Cromwell College had set him up for the coming years, and credited his peers and teachers.
''It's all been in preparation for next year, really.''
Achievements: Recommendations for NZQA Scholarship in both history and music; silver Duke of Edinburgh award (2018); NCEA level 1 with excellence, level 2 with merit; 1st in year 12 geography (2018); 1st in year 12 music (2018); bronze Duke of Edinburgh award (2017); Trinity College Certificate of Merit (2019); ABRSM piano with merit (2018); school jazz band; 2nd at the Southland Jazz Festival (2018); Trinity College Exhibition Award (2016).
Role model: American comic and performer Bo Burnham.
Hopes for the future: To study law and psychology at the University of Otago.
