The 2025 Maungakiekie Rotary Awards honoured several outstanding Onehunga High School students for their next stage of their learning.
On Monday 1 December, Onehunga High School joined local schools and community members at the Maungakiekie Rotary Awards Evening. This annual event celebrates young people from across the Onehunga area and acknowledges the long standing partnership between Rotary and local schools. Onehunga High School was proud to have several students recognised in three significant scholarships: the Fred McKeever Memorial Scholarship, the Dennie Walls Memorial Scholarship and the Alan Haskell Memorial Scholarships.
The Fred McKeever Memorial Scholarship honours the legacy of Fred McKeever, a lifelong Onehunga resident and businessman who was strongly committed to the Rotary movement. On his passing in 1998, he left a substantial bequest to support students in the four Onehunga schools, which was later extended by the Rotary Club to include two additional schools. His generosity has supported young people in the community for many years. The Onehunga High School recipient for 2025 was Briana O’Sullivan, who was recognised for her commitment, character and contribution to school life.
The Dennie Walls Memorial Scholarship reflects the determination shown by Dennie Walls throughout his life. Dennie and his sister would ride their horses from their family farm in East Tamaki to the train station each morning before travelling to their schools in Newmarket and Epsom. During the depression, Dennie secured an apprenticeship with a chemist and later established a successful business in Royal Oak. The scholarship supports a student who demonstrates exceptional perseverance and effort despite barriers. The 2025 Onehunga High School recipient was Stevie Lee.
The Alan Haskell Memorial Scholarships were then presented. Alan Haskell was a respected Onehunga businessman who lived and worked his entire life in the community. He served as a governor of Onehunga High School for seven years, including four years as chairperson, and all three of his children attended the school. Following his passing, a trust was established to support Year 13 students entering tertiary study. The scholarship reflects Alan Haskell’s dedication to education and community service, providing support for students who show financial need and require assistance to progress to the next stage of their learning.
In 2025, four Onehunga High School students were selected as recipients: Chalotte Lilo, Laura McFelin, Semisi Vaotangi and Jethro Jones. Each of these students has demonstrated commitment to their studies, a strong connection to the school and the determination required to take the next step into further education.
The Maungakiekie Rotary Awards Evening continues to be an important event for our school and community. Onehunga High School extends its sincere thanks to Maungakiekie Rotary for their ongoing generosity, support and belief in the potential of our young people. Their continued investment in education and opportunity makes a meaningful difference to the futures of students across Onehunga.
