On Tuesday 1 April we were proud to induct a group of extraordinary gentlemen into the SBHS Club for 2024.

Established in 2018, the Southland Boys' High School Club celebrates academic achievement at the highest level – achieving all required NCEA credits at Excellence - with entry to the Club marked by the presentation of a Cap. 

This assembly also included the presentation of Legion Badges for Year 9 and 10 Certificate. Entry into the Junior Southland Boys' High School Club is the highest academic honour gained at Year 9 and 10. To be inducted into this Club, achieving a Legion Badge, boys at Year 9 and 10 must have gained over 90 excellence grade point units at their respective year level. 

LEGION BADGE - YEAR 9 CERTIFICATE

Max Bekhuis

Max has demonstrated exceptional talent and dedication as a performer, participating actively in the Model United Nations, Dimensions choir, school debating team, the junior production of Aladdin, and played in the junior football team. These opportunities have showcased his diplomatic skills, sharp intellect and persuasive abilities. Max also received an academic excellence award at prizegiving. In addition to his core hub classes in 2024, Max also studied Drama, Japanese, Music, and Digital Technology. He has achieved 95 excellence units. 

George Hammond

George is a proud Coldstream man, whose dedication and perseverance knows no end. His commitment to touch rugby, tennis and rugby has seen him represent SBHS at interschools and South Island tournaments. In addition, George was generous with his time as an open night guide. George also received an academic excellence award at prizegiving. In addition to his core hub classes in 2024, George also studied Digital technology, Developing Athletes programme, and Design technology. He has achieved 106 excellence units.

Charlie Muir

Charlie has proven to be an invaluable member of our school community, representing the school at touch rugby, U14 rugby tournament team, and pickleball. Charlie was voted in as a member of the 2024 student council and gave his time to welcome prospective students as an open night guide. Charlie also received an academic excellence award at prizegiving. In addition to his core hub classes, Charlie also studied Design technology, Developing Athletes programme, and Manufacturing. He has achieved 112 excellence units.

LEGION BADGE - YEAR 10 CERTIFICATE

Andrew Campbell-Wall

Andrew has shown outstanding participation and dedication across various school sports activities. He competed in the school tennis champs, a member of the Year 9 and 10 football tournament team, represented SBHS in badminton, and competed in the Southland schools adventure race. With all these commitments, he still found time to gain an academic merit award at prizegiving. In addition to his core hub classes, Andrew also studied Digital technology, and Enterprise studies. He has achieved 105 excellence units.

Fionn Fitzsimons

Fionn’s talents spread far and wide, with significant contributions through sport, academics and service. Fionn represented Southland Boys' High School in squash, netball, and badminton, and showcased his sharp intellect and strategic thinking in the chess tournament team. Fionn was voted as a member of the 2024 student council, welcomed new students as an open night guide, and was in the drama and theatre tech team. Fionn also received an academic merit award at prizegiving. In addition to his core hub classes, Fionn also studied digital technology and music. He has achieved 102 excellence units.

Alex Gwynne

Alex is a skilled sportsman, whose strength, strategy and leadership has seen him represent Southland Boys' High School in both cricket and rugby. Beyond his athletic achievements, Alex has extended himself academically by participating in the ICAS exams and received an academic merit award at prizegiving. In addition to his core hub classes, Alex also studied digital technology and developing athletes’ programme. Alex has achieved 103 excellence units.

Jackson Hutton

Jackson consistently extends himself beyond expectations, setting high standards in everything he undertakes. His participation in the model United Nations, school debating team, and ICAS exams exemplifies his diverse talents and dedication. Jackon also shows precision and focus through rifle shooting with Southland Boys' High School. In addition to his core hub classes, Jackson also studied design technology and agriculture. Jackson has achieved 105 excellence units.  

Liam Kerslake

Liam consistently demonstrates dedication and participation in a wide range of endeavours, notably his contribution to Southland Boys' High School sport. A high achiever in a range of codes, including basketball, cricket, ki o rahi, netball, rugby, and rugby league. Liam not only gives his time on the sports field but also to the school as an open night guide and still manages academic excellence. In addition to his core hub classes, Liam also studied design technology and enterprise studies. Liam has achieved 93 excellence units.

Will Lankow

Will is a quiet and humble achiever, who sets a high bar and is driven to meet these expectations. Will contributes to a wide range of school teams including adventure racing, trap shooting, cricket, football and has represented the school at multiple interschools. Will has demonstrated remarkable academic dedication, extending himself with the ICAS exams and notably gaining a distinction grade for English, putting him in the top 8% of New Zealand and the Pacific. In addition to his core hub classes, Will also studied design technology and enterprise studies. Will has achieved 94 excellence units. 

Carter Witheford

With a strong determination and hard work ethic, Carter consistently strives for excellence in all endeavors. Representing Southland Boys' High School in netball, football, cricket, and competing in multiple interschool tournaments, Carter also gave his time touring prospective students as an open night guide. In addition to his core hub classes, Carter also studied digital technology and enterprise studies. Carter has achieved 90 excellence units.

Sam Lawrence

Sam is a man of many talents, notably his rise in the world of mountain biking. While gaining academic excellence at school, Sam also carved up the world of downhill, enduro and cross-country mountain biking, becoming the South Island U16 champion. Sam received a Blues award for his cycling efforts, while also representing the school in football, and giving back as an open night guide. In addition to his core hub classes, Sam also studied art and enterprise studies. Sam has achieved an exceptional 111 excellence units.  

LEVEL 1

Tim McIlhone 

Tim's contribution to wider school life is nothing short of remarkable, and yet he still found the time to achieve the first Level 1 academic cap for this year group. An eloquent public speaker, Tim competes in debating, Youth United Nations, Momentum choir, and serves his community in volunteer projects. In 2024 Tim studied Science, Geography, English, Theatre Tech, History, and Maths. He has achieved 86 Level 1 Excellence Credits.

Levi Te Amo

Levi’s skills in communication and performing arts are truly exceptional. A member of Dimensions, Momentum, lead role in the senior production, Youth United Nations, presented with three Blues awards for Music, Drama, and Debating, all while achieving an academic excellence gold award for Level 1. In 2024 Levi studied Science, Geography, English, Music, Commerce and Te Reo Maori. He has achieved 65 Level 1 Excellence credits.  

LEVEL 2

Josh Cairns

Josh has managed to pack a massive amount of success into his time with us at Southland Boys' High School. By the end of Year 12 he had represented the school at the Southland Athletics Champs, competed in Summer and winter Interschools, joined the Boys to Men project, been awarded best all-round Year 11 at the Prizegiving, represented the school at the Touch Nationals and he is a member of the National Champion 1st XV. To achieve all that and still find time to work hard enough in class to gain a Level 2 academic cap is astounding. In 2024 Josh studied English, Physical Education, Biology, Statistics, Physics and Chemistry. Through his studies he amassed 73 Level 2 Excellence credits. This is Josh’s Silver academic cap.

Jack Claridge

Jack has made a lasting impression on the wider school community, his service and contribution a testament to his generous nature. This year alone participating in rugby, tennis, golf, hockey, cricket, Boys to Men leader, leadership camp, open night ambassador, and new entrants’ day leader, Jack still made learning a priority in pursuit of his academic goals. In 2024 Jack studied English, Physical Education, Economics, Statistics, Physics, and Biology. Throughout his studies he amassed 66 Level 2 Excellence Credits.

Rory Coe

Rory is an all-round superstar in his wide contribution to school life. A humble achiever, Rory has excelled in tournament level hockey as a member of the 1st XI, participated in senior production, netball, Momentum choir, leadership camp and Boys to Men, as well as being a new entrants’ days leader, peer mediator, and open day ambassador. His diligence in everything he takes on has rewarded him with this prestigious award. In 2024 Rory studied History, Algebra, Economics, English, Physics, and Chemistry. Throughout his studies he amassed 67 Level 2 Excellence Credits.

Michael Crean

Michael is a still pond in a turbulent world. He is easily the nicest and most humble person that many of us have had the pleasure to meet. During his time at this school, he has risen to the top of our Clay Target shooting ranks and has represented the school on several occasions. Michael is a hands-on learner and has a great passion for agriculture and applied trades. In 2024 Michael studied English, Algebra, Biology, Accounting, Agriculture, and Agri Business. Throughout his studies he amassed 81 Level 2 Excellence Credits. This is Michael’s silver academic cap.

Thomas Gray

A quiet achiever, Thomas sets the bar high. A champion squash player, pickleball representative, tournament cricket player, boys to men mentor, new entrants’ day leader, open day guide, and young enterprise participant. Thomas’s skill spans a wide range of areas, and his level of modesty results in very few people knowing the astonishing level of intellect that he possesses. In 2024 Thomas studied Physical Education, Algebra, Geography, English, Physics, and Business Studies. Tom has amassed 70 Level 2 Excellence Credits.

Rhys Harrison

An eloquent and conscientious scholar, Rhys is innately driven to succeed. Rhys is an active member of the senior debating team, has represented Southland Boys' High School in netball and orienteering, is involved in Youth United Nations, and was awarded a Blues award for creative writing. In 2024, Rhys studied English, Algebra, Economics, Accounting, Statistics, and Chemistry. Rhys has amassed 61 Level 2 Excellence Credits.

Zephyr Jackson

Zephyr is a master of the written word, with the ability to create a masterful blend of clarity, creativity, and precision. On top of his academic accomplishments at Level 2, Zephyr was also a mentor with Boys to Men, represented Southland Boys' High School in senior debating, and an open night and new entrants’ day helper. In 2024 Zephyr studied English, Media Studies, Economics, Accounting, Japanese, and Classics. Zephyr has amassed 81 Level 2 Excellence Credits. This is Zephyr’s silver academic cap.

Hayden Millar

Hayden excels in the fields of Science, Mathematics, and technology. He has followed his love of computing into senior DTC and has shown his ability to create amazing systems and worlds through a digital medium. He has coupled this with performance having taken on a roll in the senior choir. He is a genuine and approachable young man who is working on his leadership and mentoring ability through the Boys to Men programme this year. In 2024 Hayden studied Digital Technology, Algebra, Photography, English, Physics, and Biology. Through his studies he amassed 77 Level 2 Excellence Credits. This is Hayden’s Silver academic cap. 

Cooper Mitchell

Cooper is the kind of person who effortlessly balances his academic and athletic pursuits, making him standout in both areas. On the sport’s field, he is known for his dedication, teamwork and determination leading to inclusion in the 2024 Sanix Japan Rugby tour. In the classroom, Cooper excels with the same level of commitment while remaining humble, approachable and a role model. In 2024 Cooper studied English, Physical Education, Biology, Statistics, Geography, and Business Studies. Through his studies he amassed 66 Level 2 Excellence Credits.

William Paris

A debater and public speaker of great determination and eloquence, William is an avid reader and understands the power of words to win a constructed argument. He is also a key member of our senior choir and budding historian and artist. In 2024 William studied History, Algebra, Economics, Statistics, Geography and Chemistry. William has amassed 87 Level 2 Excellence Credits. This is William’s silver academic cap.

Joshua Reynolds

As Dux of Year 11 for 2023, Joshua has spent 5 years at this school showing what can occur when diligence meets brilliance. He is hard-working, unassuming, well-liked and extremely dedicated to doing the best he can no matter what he is doing or what is required of him. He is a member of the 1st XI Hockey squad as well as the senior choir, he has competed at New Zealand Championship level in Mountain Biking and still found time to do a little bit of study. In 2024 Joshua studied Physical Education, Algebra, Economics, English, Physics, and Biology. Throughout his studies he gained an astounding 92 Level 2 Excellence Credits. This is Joshua’s silver academic cap.

Jay Smith

Ajay is a key member of our swimming and water polo teams and has won countless ribbons in swim meets throughout Southland. On top of his sporting commitments, he will go about the business of being academically astute in the most unassuming manner. His intellect is obvious to all who have taught him, but what keeps him grounded is the simple fact that he is a warm-hearted soul who enjoys the company of all people. In 2024 Ajay studied English, Algebra, Economics, Accounting, Physics, and Classics. Through his studies Ajay managed to amass 72 Level 2 Excellence Credits. This is Ajay’s Silver academic cap.

Tom Smith

Tom is dependable, diligent, respectful and a wonderful human. A junior hockey coach, Boys to Men Leader and academic mentor, Tom lives through service to his community showing great awareness of those around him and how he can help to make their lives better. In 2024 Tom studied English, Media Studies, Economics, Accounting, Statistics, and Biology. Through his studies he managed to amass a truly impressive 97 Level 2 Excellence Credits. This is Tom’s silver cap.  

Finn Young

Finn is a humble and quiet achiever, with a strong determination to realize his high ambitions. Finn is a dedicated member of the First XI hockey team, receiving a Blues award for his contribution and efforts at many tournaments and interschools. He also represented SBHS in netball, was a peer mediator and Boys to Men mentor, gave his time as an open night guide, participated in the senior production, yet somehow still found the time to achieve academically with an Academic Merit prize. In 2024, Finn studied English, Art, Geography, Statistics, Physics, and Biology. Through his diligence, he has earned 66 Level 2 Excellence Credits.

LEVEL 3

Jacob Boniface

Jacob has been a dedicated student at Southland Boys' High School, consistently showing commitment to both his academics, golf, and netball. Jacob is respected by his peers for his leadership, responsibility, and support of others making him a positive role model. His strengths have been shown in Digital Technology as a student IT helper this year. In 2024 Jacob studied Digital Technology, Economics, Statistics, Physical Education, and English. Throughout his studies he amassed 50 Level 3 Excellence Credits.

Will Cairns

When you choose to carry the weight of a cause on your shoulders you have to be willing to go through struggles before you can get close to success. Will has carried the weight of football at this school for successive seasons, with little or no recognition. But now, as Will completes his final year at Southland Boys' High School it is time for this school to begin the long overdue process of saying thank you and congratulations. Deputy Headboy, netball player, student council, Youthmark recipient, Football captain, and a genuinely nice guy, Will is now a permanent fixture on our honours board. In 2024 Will studied Biology, Statistics, Physical Education, English, and Geography. Throughout his studies he amassed 58 Level 3 Excellence Credits. This is Will’s silver cap.

Thomas Collard

Thomas has always demonstrated a strong commitment to his learning, consistently displaying a level of motivation and diligence that sets a high standard for his peers. His academic work, especially in Science and English, is nothing short of immaculate, showcasing his ability to not only meet but exceed expectations. His remarkable achievements have earned him offers from several pilot schools within New Zealand, a testament to his dedication and potential. In 2024 Thomas studied Economics, History, Geography, English, and Physics. Throughout his studies he amassed 50 Level 3 Excellence Credits.

Peter Devery

As a proud Coldstream student, Peter is a well-liked and active member of the school community, known for his dedication and enthusiasm. Peter is a school prefect, and deputy head boarder at Coldstream hostel. Peter has excelled in trapshooting and has represented New Zealand in the National Youth Pipe Band. During all these commitments, he has also found time to excel academically in his chosen subjects. In 2024 Peter studied Chemistry, Statistics, English, Outdoor Education, and Agribusiness. Throughout his studies he amassed 59 Level 3 Excellence Credits. 

Sylvan Eeles

Sylvan has been a quiet and reserved member of our school community. A quiet determination, steady resolve, and sound work ethic, Sylvan has shown genuine effort and has steadily worked towards his academic goals, achieving excellent results. In 2024 Sylvan studied Biology, History, English, Statistics, and Geography. Throughout his studies he amassed 54 Level 3 Excellence Credits.

Charlie Hopcroft

No one has ever graduated from this school with 4 Caps. Until Charlie Hopcroft came along. Charlie has capped in Hockey – Red Cap, in Cricket – Baggy Cap, gained an academic cap in 2022 and 2023, and now in 2024 he has not only secured his Level 3 academic cap but in earning 52 Level 3 Excellence Credits he has also gained his academic Gold Cap and created Southland Boys' High School history. In 2024 Charlie studied Art, Statistics, Biology, English and Geography. It is our honour to re-induct Charlie and present his Gold cap.

Samuel Kubrycht-Ellis

Sam is an exceptionally talented musician, playing a significant role in his bands success as regional champions in the Rock Quest competition. Sam plays for the 1st XI football team, Is captain of the Senior A Waterpolo team, and gives back to his school community by coaching he junior waterpolo teams. Sam’s dedication and enthusiasm for both music and sports make him an exemplary student and an asset to our school community. In 2024 Sam studied Music, history, English, Outdoor Education, and Physics. Throughout his studies he managed to amass 51 Excellence Credits.

James McLeay

There is being good, there is being great, there is being amazing, and then there is being James. This year alone James has run competitively in 5 different countries spanning four continents. He is a national title holder and member of the national track team. He was a Deputy Headboy. He has also been the top scholar in Year 11 and Year 12. As the year progresses James has received numerous accolades and awards that were hard earned and well deserved. James is the epitome of living life through our Southland Boys' High School values. In 2024 James studied Accounting, Economics, Geography, English, and Physics. Throughout his studies he amassed 63 Level 3 Excellence Credits. It is our honour to re-induct James into the SBHS Club and present him with his Gold Academic Cap.

Maddix Pettigrew

Maddix has actively participated in Southland Boys' High School football and rugby teams, showcasing excellent teamwork and dedication. His achievement in football is being recognized through Blue Awards. Maddix was also chosen for the Young Enterprise Business Studies tour to Mexico, where he gained valuable insights into global business practices and cultural dynamics. In 2024 Maddix studied Accounting, Biology, English, Statistics, and Business Studies. Throughout his studies he amassed 51 Level 3 Excellence Credits.

Oliver Piggott

A proud member of Pearce House and member of the school Golf team for successive seasons, Oliver has shown that you can do great things at this school without requiring attention or adulation. As a school prefect, Oliver has shown remarkable leadership, respect and service. In 2024 Oliver studied Economics, Statistics, Biology, English, and Geography. Throughout his studies he managed to amass 54 Excellence Credits. This is Oliver’s Silver Cap.

Kobe Rooney

Kobe has exceeded himself as a leader in his role as Deputy Head Boy and Cultural Prefect. Kobe’s ability to lead and gain the respect of his fellow students is an exemplary characteristic. Kobe has also made time to be a valuable member of the 2nd XV rugby team and has also been part of leadership Camp using his leadership initiative to implement the schools Matariki celebration. In 2024 Kobe studied Biology, History, English, Media Studies, and Te Reo Maori. Throughout his studies he amassed 51 Level 3 Excellence Credits.

Charlie Standish

After successfully securing his Level 2 cap, Charlie needed to balance the workload demands of a rigorous Level 3 academic course along with those of his commitments to Tennis, Golf, and the 1st XI Hockey squad. Luckily, time management is one of the things that Charlie excels at. In 2024 Charlie studied Accounting, History, Biology, Statistics, and Business Studies. Throughout his studies he amassed 53 Level 3 Excellence Credits. This is Charlie’s Silver Cap.

David Walter

David has engaged in various facets of school life, ranging from award winning debating champion to catering competitions, and has served commendably as the student representative on the school board of trustees. David successfully initiated a charitable business, demonstrating a strong commitment to making a positive impact in our community. In 2024 David studied Chemistry, Statistics, English, Catering, and Business Studies. Throughout his studies he amassed 55 Level 3 Excellence Credits.  

Shahen Wijesinghe

Shahen is a school prefect, an outstanding cricketer, and all-around lovely guy. As vice-captain of the 1st XI and a member of the Otago U19 and U17 squads, he’s made a big impact both on and off the field. Always helpful and willing to give back, Shahen balances his leadership duties with a love for academics, excelling in Business Studies. In 2024 Shahen studied Biology, Statistics, Physical Education, Business Studies, and English. Throughout his studies he amassed 52 Level 3 Excellence Credits.