Former Auckland Grammar School student Michael Yao has received the Prime Minister’s Award for Academic Excellence in the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) Top Scholar Awards.
Watch a recording of the event here (external link).
“To be recognised as a Top Scholar is a significant achievement, especially after the disruption of the last three years,” says Dr Grant Klinkum, NZQA Chief Executive.
“Rt Hon Chris Hipkins presented The Prime Minister’s Award for Academic Excellence, which is the greatest accolade a student can aim for at secondary school. The Prime Minister’s Award recognises the highest scoring participant in New Zealand Scholarship. Michael Yao received the award in recognition of his Outstanding Scholarships in English, Geography, Health and Physical Education, History, and Physics, along with Scholarships in Art History, Calculus, Chemistry, and Earth and Space Science. Michael was also Top Subject Scholar for History, and Health and Physical Education.”
“In addition to his own academic achievement, Michael is a New Zealand Schools’ Debating Championship winner, and founded the school ethics team which he led to the International Final of the Ethics Olympiad. Michael also supports other students as a tutor; being described by his principal as having a profound sense for the dignity of others,” Dr Klinkum says.
Hon Jan Tinetti, Minister of Education, also presented Premier Awards (external link) to 11 students who had each achieved at least four Outstanding Scholarships or three Scholarships at “Outstanding” level with four additional Scholarships.
Hon Tracey Martin, NZQA Chair, presented certificates to the highest scoring student in each of the 36 NZ Scholarship subjects (external link).
“Each of these young people has demonstrated commitment, hard work and extraordinary ability,” Hon Tracey Martin says.
“Today’s ceremony also recognised the crucial role that whānau, school principals and teachers play in supporting educational achievement at every level,” Hon Tracey Martin says.
Almost 6,400 students sat New Zealand Scholarship examinations in 2022, with 2,004 students awarded one or more scholarships.