In praise of excellence and passion

1 November 2004

In praise of excellence and passion

The BDO Spicer’s Award for Northland’s Most Outstanding Enterprise Student is Northland’s premier Enterprise Leadership accolade, a significant component of the Enterprise Leadership Awards programme conducted as part of the Young Entrepreneur Programme (YEP).

The criteria for the Award includes not only the demonstration of enthusiasm, passion and a desire to attain excellence but also the ability to communicate the vision and to involve others in achieving it.

This year’s winner of the Award is David Nielsen of Whangarei Boys’ High School. David places the highest possible expectations on himself, and is a highly respected role model at the school with strong Christian beliefs and ethics. He has faced physical and mental obstacles and has overcome them in an exemplary manner.

He is described by his Year 13 Dean Anne Poole as having “... vision, passion and a sense of direction uncommon for a young man his age, and he has a personal integrity of the highest order..... He is extremely determined to excel in all areas of life, has very high academic abilities, and has been loyal without fault, with a readiness and a willingness to learn, lead and model.”

David’s achievements include:

Deputy Head Boy, and Hobson House Captain at WBHS Student Mentor World Vision Organiser School debating team and public speaking Northland Under 18 Hockey Team, WBHS 1st X1, Maungakaramea Men’s Premier Division Hockey Northland Gymnastics squad, Northland representative at National Gymnastics, Gymnastics Coach since Year 9, and current Northland Head Male Coach WBHS representative at MUNA Secretary WBHS Student Council “Northland All-Rounder Of The Year” in the 2004 Youth for Youth Awards.

Next year David intends to study medicine at Auckland University and to then work overseas as a medical missionary.

Christopher Timm of Kerikeri High School will receive a special Certificate of Commendation to recognise his close second placing.

Christopher consistently displays qualities of enterprise and entrepreneurship, high levels of commitment, determination and dedication to his sporting, academic and business interests, effective and introspective leadership skills, well-developed speaking and technological skills, and high levels of personal integrity. He is a self-motivated and very effective leader.

Next year Christopher will be working full time in his YEP enterprise Perfect Plants Ltd.

ENDS

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