Head Student – Addisyn Lawrence

Addisyn Lawrence is one of the Head Students at East Otago High School. She started at EOHS in Year 7 back in 2019. She remembers feeling pretty scared about starting at such a big school of about 170 students after learning at Waikouaiti School, where there were 85 students. When she started, she only knew about four other students in Year 7. Having Mr. Cummings as her first male teacher was a bit of a change for her. Her best memories from Year 7 were getting to know people by going to Camp Iona and being involved in the school production of Beauty and the Beast.

For Addisyn, some of the best things about East Otago High School are its inclusive feel, the one-on-one support you get from the teachers, the huge number of opportunities outside the classroom, and how the school always wants students to grow. One of her absolute highlights so far was the Spirit of Adventure trip last January. She wasn’t keen at first, worried about being on the open water, meeting new people, and her fear of heights. But in the end, the ten days were fantastic. And get this – she didn’t even get seasick, which she reckons might have been down to all the gingernuts!

Looking ahead, Addisyn knows she wants to be a vet. She has always enjoyed helping animals. Growing up on a farm until she was 15 definitely fueled this passion. She’s got quite the menagerie at home, too: three dogs, a rabbit, some hens, and fish – all of whom get plenty of her attention.

Her words of wisdom for all EOHS students? Simple: ‘Do the mahi – get the treats’. She wants to reassure younger students that Year 13’s might seem scary, but they don’t bite and are always friendly and approachable, and keen to offer advice.’