Tereora College announced the winners of the art competition, with the ‘surprised’ winner having her design carved onto a stone to be placed in front of the school to mark its 130th anniversary celebration.

On Friday, the former Tereora College students’ association held an assembly at the school to announce the winners of the art competition they had launched last term.

During the assembly, Teina Etches, the association president, shared the beauty of art with the students and made a brief announcement about the art competition.

According to Etches, while many students attempted to compete, only 10 participants had finished their artwork.

The winners of the competition were announced, beginning with consolation awards of $50 each for the students. This was followed by the major prizes, starting with the fifth-place achiever who won $100.

In fourth place, taking home $200, Katrina Katoa was called upon stage to receive her award.

In third place, Akaora Willie was called on stage and received her cash price of $300.

In second place, Lorelli Simpson received a cash price of $400.

The winner announced was Noelina Ricki Te-Au-Wah, who received a cash prize of $600.

She has also been offered the opportunity to have her art design carved onto a rock in front of the school to commemorate Tereora College’s 130th-year celebration.

In an interview with Cook Islands News, Te-Au-Wah expressed her gratitude for “unexpectedly” receiving the privilege of having her artwork carved in front of the school.

“I feel good about winning because I got to experience a lot of things,” she said.

According to Te-Au-Wah, the process of completing her art work and “unexpectedly” winning was stressful and shocking.

“It was really rushed, I didn’t have any plans, I just sat down and did what I normally do, I didn’t expect to even be called on stage.”

Te-Au-Wah was inspired by her community and her school, where she expressed that everyone was close to one another, which she found amazing.

She added that the patterns in her artwork represent her community and the relationships surrounding her at Tereora College.