In 2024 she was awarded top scholar in seven subjects, received an Outstanding Scholarship in Biology and French, and attained the highest accolade for French in New Zealand in a French Scholarship.
Miss Hayes was also awarded the University of Otago Academic Excellence Entrance Scholarship and began studying health sciences at the university this year.
Miss Hayes, now 18, said she was "quite surprised but very happy" to win the awards.
"I had worked hard and studied a lot to prepare myself for the scholarship exams but didn’t have high expectations," she said.
Miss Hayes said she "owed a lot" to her teachers and especially thanked her previous dean Jessica Wright and biology teacher Vicky Lilley.
She was the top scholar for French in New Zealand in year 12 last year, and the cultural dux for the school — an award usually given to a year 13 student.
Miss Hayes was also an Otago Daily Times Class Act award recipient in 2024, which celebrates the excellence of young people in the southern region, and it was a "huge privilege" to be chosen.
As the French top scholar she was looking forward to the scholarship ceremony in Wellington in May.
As a guest speaker at the Waitaki Girls’ High School Academic Awards Ceremony last month Miss Hayes said it was good to return to the "welcoming" and "super-friendly" school.
Her speech centred on tips for academic success but also the value of relationships.
Deputy principal Charmaine Nelson said Miss Hayes’ words of wisdom were fantastic.
School principal Sarah Hay noted that Miss Hayes among her other achievements had also gained her Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award after completing her final qualifying tramp at the beginning of this year.
Born in Auckland, Miss Hayes moved to Niger, West Africa, when she was 7 years old and lived there until she was 14.
That experience had broadened her outlook — particularly the importance of kindness.
"I want to encourage everyone to be kind to one another and look out for each other."
She attributed her Christian faith and church community, as well as family and friends, among her influences.
Miss Hayes said she was enjoying her first year of university very much and would carry fond memories of her school years.
"One of the things I remember most about WGHS is how supportive everyone is of each other and I think that is very special — this allowed me to really thrive and grow in terms of confidence so I am very thankful for this."
