Ashburton College’s new head students are head boy and girl Henry Chapman and Poppy Kilworth (centre), with deputies Kyle Cabangun and Maria Costas. Photo Susan SandysAshburton College’s new head students have a wide range of interests, but have the same goal when it comes to leading the school next year.

Head boy Henry Chapman, head girl Poppy Kilworth, deputy head boy Kyle Cabangun, and deputy head girl Maria Costas, all aged 16, say they want to build on both the hard work done by their forebears and the school’s positive image.

“We are really keen to build on what we have got, and add our own spin to it,” Poppy said.

Henry said he was looking forward to working together with his fellow leaders, and the group are planning a brainstorming session to come up with goals.

“Just being able to take on all the opportunities that are thrown at us as well, being in this position is super cool,” Poppy added.

Henry is interested in fitness and plans to study mechanical engineering once he leaves school.

His strong interest in the latter has recently seen him join with a friend to build a motorised and mobile couch, complete with steering wheel.

Poppy is a keen dancer and netballer, and was a member of the school’s senior A team this year.

She said she kept changing her mind with regard to what she would study, but would probably go to Otago University and do health sciences.

Kyle will go for his karate black belt next month. He is also a keen photographer and plans to study photography or graphic design upon leaving school.

Maria is an Ashburton Cadet Unit sergeant and Ashburton Youth Council secretary. She thinks she may study something within the realm of medical science.

The four students were overjoyed to be announced as the new head students at the college’s Year 12 prizegiving on Monday night.

They had to go through a rigorous selection process, first of all being among more than 20 Year 12 pupils who self-nominated and were subject to a vote from fellow Year 12 pupils and teachers.

The shortlisted candidates gave a speech in front of the whole school, for everyone to vote on, and were interviewed by a senior management panel, before being selected based on both the interviews and election results.

By Susan Sandys © The Ashburton Guardian - 6 November 2019