Recently, two of our Year 13 students, Helianth Nguyen and Polly O’Sullivan-Watts were awarded a prestigious Highly Commended recognition in the Sargeson Prize for the following work.
• Helianth Nguyen: As a mother to a mother
• Polly O’Sullivan-Watts: Ritualistic Hunger
The Sargeson Prize, administered by the University of Waikato, is New Zealand’s largest short story competition. It honours the legacy of renowned writer Frank Sargeson, whose former home at 14a Hurstmere Road in Takapuna is now a museum dedicated to his life and work.
The competition is open to writers nationwide, with both an Open Division and a Secondary Schools Division. We are delighted that two of our students have been recognised at this national level.
“I was so excited to find out, I told all my friends immediately! Writing is one of my greatest passions and I hope to pursue it in the future.” Polly O’Sullivan-Watts
“I was surprised and very grateful to have received this award even when I completely forgot I had applied for it earlier this year! When attending, NZ Poet Laureat Chris Tse delivered a wonderful lecture, and it was a memorable experience to see all the winners my age talk about their writing.” Helianth Nguyen.