Marlborough Boys' College financial problems were unsettling but did not stop students achieving academically, the 2010 dux says.
Byron Marvin, 18, was named dux of the school for 2010 at the school prizegiving yesterday afternoon, with Thomas Flaherty, 17, awarded proxime accesit to the dux, or runner-up.
Byron was also first in year 13 chemistry and won the Daniel Cup for senior mathematics and the George Spence Prize for overall excellence in year 13 biology. He plans to study mathematics at Auckland University next year.
Byron said he had enjoyed his five years at the college, but it had "been a bit rough at times", referring to the school's financial troubles.
The college had to take a loan from the Ministry of Education in 2008 to cover its failing finances, and is still paying it back.
"We lost a lot of teachers but it's just one of those things you have to struggle through," he said.
Students just had to put their heads down and get through that period, he said.
After completing his degree, he would like to do post-graduate work in the United States.
Year 13 is a stepping stone to university because students learn how to study for themselves and there are a lot of distractions, he said.
"When you've got study periods, not everyone wants to study."
Thomas, who came first in year 13 design and photography and second in painting and graphics, planned to put his skills towards a Bachelor of Design at Massey University in Wellington next year.
He was not yet sure where his four-year degree would take him, but in the meantime was planning to spend his summer working fulltime at Mitre 10 Mega to raise money for student life.
"I'll miss Blenheim but I'm quite keen to go somewhere new and a change of direction."
Thomas said his time at the college had been great, especially under new principal Wayne Hegarty.
"The school's changed a lot. The new principal has made it a lot better."
He would most miss the people, he said.
"You really make some good friends and the ones you stick with through (year 13) are your true friends because you sort of go through a few."
Thomas' favourite subject this year was photography, which included the challenge of preparing a portfolio that not only told a story but showed a range of photographic skills.
"People think it's pretty easy but it's a lot of work, it's really hard to get a good mark. I think I might just have got there."
The prizegiving was punctuated with performances by the college jazz band and haka.
Year 12 student Luka Velebit was appointed head boy for 2011.
Luka said the prospect of being head boy would not distract him from exams beginning next week and he would use the appointment as motivation to do well.
Prize list – page 9
SIMON WONG - The Marlborough Express
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