A Paeroa College student has achieved a top honour as the recipient of the Gold Duke of Edinburgh award.
The award is recognised on an international scale and offers rangatahi the opportunity to develop skills, get physically active, give back to communities with volunteer work and experience adventure.
Paeroa College’s Travis Cox told The Profile he was happy “I finally made it” after working through the different levels over the past four years.
The year-13 student said he had been working toward this gold award for 18 months.
The main thing Travis learned through this process was to not quit, and persevere even when things are tough, or you may not feel like it, he said.
Travis spent some time on the Spirit of Adventure, which is a 10 day development voyage.
It was the hardest, but also most enjoyable part of the journey, he said.
“I was lucky enough to win a competition through One Good Kiwi to go on this adventure.”
Travis said he and his crew had to run the ship for 10 days which was “pretty full on”.
He didn’t know anybody when he arrived, but left with some “great friendships”.
Travis said he had to work consistently on the rest of the sections for his award.
“It takes time, effort and commitment.”
The sections included: a physical activity programme that he followed with physical education teacher Mr Tai’i, a service where Travis served breakfast weekly for five years, cleaning his community hall and serving on the student council.
Travis also spent time learning automotive skills and he got to rebuild a 1992 Toyota Land Cruiser “that I now drive around”, he said. “[It] was quite an achievement and I thank Roger Walton from Auto Electrical Paeroa for mentoring me.”
Travis’ best advice for other students looking to work toward the Duke of Edinburgh award was that it’s best to start early if you want to get through all the levels before leaving school, he said.
“Be thankful to those teachers and mentors in the community who are happy to meet with you and set goals.
“If you can get a team to do this award together, that is the best way because you can encourage each other.”
Travis said the award was recognised around the world.
“Why not give it a go?
“Thanks so much to everyone that supported me on my journey.”
