Top of their game – 2025’s student leaders
Their list of responsibilities would be enough to turn even the coolest corporate into a spin, but next year’s two capable new Wakatipu High School head students and their three able-bodied deputies are ready to give it their all.
At the helm for 2025 will be New Zealand U18 Women’s Ice Hockey player Manuella Sanches Pedrosa and Maadi Cup silver rowing medallist McKellar Thornton, a “super keen” sportsman who’s into rugby, rowing and adventure racing.
Manuella is headed for Latvia to compete in the World U18 Women’s Championships and loves passing on her skills to younger skaters, teaching kids as young as two in the local Kiwi Skate programme. “Competing internationally has fueled my motivation academically and in sports,” she says. She’s enjoyed Waka Ama, debating and softball this year.
Sport is now a huge part of McKellar’s life. “Wakatipu High introduced me to the whole sports scene which really helped me connect with other people who shared those interests,” he says. McKellar has an impressive musical gift too, securing a lead role in the school’s Hairspray musical this year. An Australian, he’s also passionate about Te Reo Māori as a member of the school’s Kapa Haka Rōpū. “I’d definitely like to try and grow the interest in Kaupapa Māori in Queenstown.”
Among the deputies, Ava Weston, a skilled makeup artist, is always on hand backstage for any school musicals, shows and performances, and wants to share her love of the arts with younger students. A member of the school’s arts and culture council, Ava also volunteers for Sustainable Queenstown. She’s keen to leave a legacy of inclusion, participation and creativity.
Lukas McChlery’s hoping to work hard in the classroom and on the field, his sights set on being a top player in the school First XV. Inclusion and ensuring school is a safe place for everyone to get involved will be key, and working with student council leaders to push house competitions and activities as “schoolwork’s not everyone’s gig”. “You don’t have to be the best at something to achieve something great.”
Kieran Leftley’s always there as tech crew, stage manager or sound for school productions, and he’s a regular volunteer raising money for the Pivotal Point Charitable Trust. He also shaved his head recently for Shave For A Cure, run by Leukaemia & Blood Cancer NZ. Kieran loves maths, digital tech, science and skiing and hopes to get into the University Maths class to do some uni papers next year. He’d also love to strengthen bonds between year groups.
As for 2026, there’s potential for a lawyer, Film School makeup artist, ‘the next Hugh Jackman’ and a real estate and property specialist, all of whom will do Queenstown proud.
Meanwhile, 2024’s Dux - Harry Seeto and Proxime Accessit - Abby Fookes were both awarded their honours last week.