Two Hornby High School students have been recognised at the Graeme Dingle Foundation National Excellence Awards 2025, held in Auckland last week.
EJ Coffin and Sasha Norling both received top honours for their leadership, resilience, and positive contributions through the foundation’s youth development programmes.
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EJ was presented with the Outstanding Contribution from a Peer Mentor Award, supported by AIG, for his work with the Stars programme. Over the past two years, he has demonstrated leadership, compassion, and dedication in guiding Year 9 students through their high school journey.
EJ, who also serves as a prefect and board representative at Hornby High, said it was a great honour to receive the award. “It was a great honour to receive the award for outstanding contribution from a Peer Mentor, especially in front of family and friends. It was a long journey, hard at times and fun sometimes, but what helped me through was my coordinator Chris and Hayley and also my fellow mentors,” he said.
Beyond his mentoring role, EJ is a senior altar server at his local church, serves in the New Zealand Cadet Forces, volunteers with the Greater Hornby Residents Association, and is completing the Duke of Edinburgh Award. His strong sense of service and community has made him a respected role model among his peers.
Fellow student Sasha Norling was also recognised for her achievements in the foundation’s Project K programme, which supports young people in building confidence, resilience, and self-belief.
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Sasha said, “Project K has taught me resilience, courage, and belief in myself. This award isn’t just about me; it’s about the people who walked alongside me, believed in me, and gave me the tools to believe in myself.”
She said the programme had been life-changing. “Since finishing Project K, I’ve seen such a big change in myself, not just in how I think, but in what I’ve been able to achieve. At school, my focus and confidence have grown so much. I’m more positive in class, my grades have improved, and I actually enjoy taking on challenges that I used to avoid. Personally, I’ve become more patient, more determined, and I try to see the best in every situation. Project K helped me realise that I can overcome obstacles, and that the effort I put in really does pay off. It’s helped me grow into someone who believes in herself and who’s excited for what’s next.”
Hornby High School said both students were incredibly deserving of their awards and had made the school and wider Canterbury community proud through their efforts and growth over the past years.
