A diverse set of personalities and interests is something that will help a group of 2026 Thames High School head students “reach the students in our school”.
“It makes for great discussion that we can bring a lot of ideas to the table,” the group of young leaders told The Profile.
Their intent as leaders was to make sure everyone was “comfortable and safe” at school.
“We want to project that everyone matters and belongs,” they said.
It was 17-year-old head student Abbygail Patterson’s vision to “make a positive impact” and be an advocate for Thames High.
But leadership takes humility, she said.
“It looks like humbling yourself with a willingness to sacrifice to lead and teach others. A true leader sets a positive example, supports the people around them and [is] willing to make difficult decisions for the greater good.”
Fellow head student Brooklyn Jiang said a leader was someone who rolemodeled by example and tried their best “even when no one’s looking”.
His “absolute dream” was to get a masters degree in Aerospace engineering, he said, and to work at Rocket Lab.
Since he was a child, Brooklyn said he “idolised space”.
“My real dream is to hopefully go there one day, but I guess that’s a little far-fetched. So my down-to-earth one is to build and design rockets that go there.”
Meanwhile, Manukura (leader) Māori Kyah Lyon said her dream was to attend university and to build a career that “gives me purpose”.
“I want my journey to reflect that hard work can shape a future worth celebrating.”
The goal of the 17-year-old Manukura was to nurture her culture within the school.
“I’m looking forward to leading initiatives that grow Te Reo Māori and tikanga [customs] so that our kura becomes a more supportive and inclusive environment for everyone.”
Fellow head student Holly Bradley said she was excited to support the team of student leaders, specifically the welfare and arts and cultural leaders.
“I want to encourage students to try new things, step out of their comfort zones, and have the self-belief that anything is possible.”
A personal dream of hers was to “somehow make a difference in the world” in the areas of human rights or environmental issues.
Meanwhile, fellow head student Annie Perrett said her dream was to attend university and study a bachelor of law, and hopefully specialise in sports law, which was “a huge passion of mine”.
The 17-year-old head student said being a leader was “much more than being in charge” – it also meant creating an environment and culture where everyone felt heard and valued.
Fellow Manukura Māori Zaydee-Kade Prasad said it was her family who inspired her to be a great leader and “I want to make them proud”.
Her dream was to become a paediatric nurse or something along the lines of a neonatologist.
One thing the 16-year-old leader hoped to develop this year was to be more approachable to students and to take on their suggestions, she said.
The young head student also looked forward to getting to know students around school, being a support person and someone “they look up to”.
One piece of advice the group hoped to share with fellow students was to “take the opportunities that come your way, even when you feel you are not capable”, they said. “These opportunities will teach and strengthen you, which will open many further opportunities.”
By DAVIDDA HIKATANGATA
