Seba Metzler
The all-round high performer is reaping the rewards of his continued hard work and dedication.
"I’m always solving challenges.
"It’s easy to focus on the negatives humanity has to face right now, but we have the capabilities to become better. The world is filled with overwhelming possibilities."
A CrossFit-loving ballet dancer, Seba said his passion for dance had never been an issue with peers, or the wider Gore community.
"My family moved back to Gore when I was 4, and we looked for something positive and cultural for me to do. That was ballet."
He said his love of dance had only grown during the intervening years.
"It’s an outlet for self-expression. As I’ve begun to write and perform my own choreographed material, it’s helped me grow in confidence, and in my understanding of dance."
At his desk, the academic high achiever leaned at present towards the sciences, with a view to entering medicine.
"I grew up around a lot of different medical professionals. There’s just so many fields to explore, so I don’t know where it might end up."
He said science helped people to look at the world from different angles.
"Everything I’ve done has been a part of the journey to this point. As long as I’m able to keep solving problems, I’ll be happy."
Achievements: Level 1 & 2 with excellence endorsement; Level 1 excellence science, RE, mathematics, English; Level 2 excellence chemistry, biology, RE, history; 1st in: English (2016-17, 2019); RE (2017, 2019-21); PE (2017/19); health (2017/19); maths (2017/20); science (2018-20); social studies (2018/19); commerce (2019/20); history (2020/21); chemistry & biology (2021); Eisteddfod champion (2017/19); dancer in RNZB’s rendition of The Nutcracker (2018); dancer with the British Ballet Organisation’s National Dance
Days (2016, 2018-21); Gore Operatic Society (2010-present); Bishop Shield Debate winning team (2018/19); Cultural Blue for dance (2021); solo dance at Hokonui Fashion Awards (2021); Ainge School of Dance completing grades to advanced with distinction (2009-present); student council (2016-18); junior house leader (2020); junior commitment leader (2021); volunteer ballet tutelage; college athletics champion (2016-21); Rotary Young Achievers Award (2017); Gore Youth Non-Conformist Award for contributions to male dance (2019); Gore Community Award nominee for outstanding youth leader (2021).
Role Model: My mother and father, for leading inspiring, full lives.
Hopes for the Future: To study health science at Otago University, then enter the field of medicine.
Anikah Moody
No surprise, then, that her ambitions remain firmly lodged outside in the fresh air, with the sky her only limit.
"My favourite place in the world is to be outdoors on the farm surrounded by animals, riding my horses, or training my Kelpie farm dog, Mate.
"But although animals and the outdoors are my biggest interests, I’ve also made the most of my schooling opportunities," she said.
A high-performing all-rounder, Anikah plans to take a year off after school, and perhaps head to Lincoln to study agriculture in 2024.
However, she won’t be sitting idle in the meantime.
"Horses and show jumping are my passion, and I’m being more dedicated to my training and competition this year to give it a proper go.
"I want to compete as much as possible next year. It would be my dream to compete at World Cup level one day."
She said her love of horses had begun at an early age.
"I got to ride my first miniature — called Going — when I was 5, thanks to my Granny.
"I think Mum and Dad prayed it would be a passing fad, but it didn’t quite work out that way."
Her interests in riding extended to breaking in new animals.
"I’m training a pony — Sally — who began in an untamed state in 2020.
"It’s taken a lot of patience and commitment, but I’m now starting to see the rewards, with several firsts and seconds at our first two shows."
She said despite her desire to follow her equestrian dreams, she’d keep her mind open to other options.
"Let’s see what happens next year."
Achievements: Level 1 and 2 with excellence endorsement; Level 1 excellence agriculture, commerce, RE, and science; Level 2 excellence biology, chemistry, economics, and RE; school prizes for RE, agriculture, mathematics, science, commerce and diligence (2020), and RE and economics (2021); school netball A teams (2018-present), including junior coaching, umpiring, most promising player, Steps to Steel squad, Eastern Southland rep (2018-21), and Southland Country rep (2022); school cross-country 1st (2018), 2nd (2019), 4th (2021), 2nd (2022); Southland athletics rep in 200m (2020/21), 100m (2020/21), shot put (2020), high jump (2020/21), 800m (2021), relays (2021); equestrianism C+ theory exam; Secondary Schools Show Jumping competition team 5th place (2021); numerous 1st and other podium placings at regional show jumping events (2022); voluntary veterinary assistant work (2019).
Role model: Equestrians Amanda Wilson and Amanda Tulloch.
Hopes for the future: To compete at World Cup level in show jumping, and have a family and a farm one day.
