Marian College students were honoured to have past student Ilia Lindsay present at the Academic Colours and Excellence Awards at a special assembly this week.

Ilia (pictured right with Mrs Davidson) was Deputy Head Girl at Marian College in 2010. Ilia told students that throughout her school years she had her heart and mind set on becoming a radiation therapist. However just 30 people are across the country are selected for the programme every year and Ilia was devastated to miss the cut.

Set on a second attempt at acceptance, Ilia enrolled in some psychology papers at University to fill out her programme. She soon discovered psychology was to be her passion.

She now has a successful career as a psychologist working in specialist mental health and sports psychology.

“I’m lucky enough to be one of those people who has their dream job,” says Ilia.

“I get to make a difference with young people and their family’s lives and I also get to support elite international athletes and sports teams.”

Ilia also shared a whakatauki she learnt while living in Northland:Whaia te iti kahurangi ke tei tuhou koe me he maunga teitei.Seek the treasure that you value most dearly then hold it close and if you bow your head let it be to nothing less than a lofty mountain. 

“I was once a Marian girl in that very same blue uniform so I know that you are lucky enough to be in an environment which harvests this thing called Marian Magic. Hold on to your Magic and you will be amazed at the places you end up,” Ilia said.

Congratulations to the following students who were awarded Academic Colours and Excellence:

Level 1 NCEA (2017)Academic Colours
Molly Ford, Zoe Frame, Shannon Garrick, Heather McAfee, Emma Pearce, Sacha Riddle, Kimberley Shaw and Freya Young.

Academic Excellence
Katie Baxter, Tatiana Booster, Nadine Booster, Ngahiraka Dallas, Meg Elliott, Rebecca Everingham, Francesca Humphries, Kristen Laing, Samantha Price, Keely Stuart and Rawinia Tahi.

Level 2 NCEA (2017)Academic Colours
Olivia Altenburg-Carey, Sarah McKenzie, Lily Norris, Rozyczka Schimanski (2016 and 2017).

Bar to colours
Mia Blyth, Vanessa Johnson, Apsaravy Man and Madison van der Plas.

Academic Excellence
Kate Fraser, Jessica Hamilton.

Bar to Excellence
Izzy Bloxham, Taz Brown, Louise Daly, Rachael Nilsson, Catherine Ryan and Ella Walls.