Gabi Hill is an outstanding performer, having achieved the highest levels of excellence particularly as a dancer and musician in both curriculum and co-curricular activities.
Gabi has performed in five Senior Productions and one Youth Production and received a Zony Award this year for Best Leading Female for her performance as Queen Elizabeth I in The Pirate Queen. Gabi has been a colours recipient for every year of the seven years she has been at the school, including twice receiving School Colours for Dance and Drama. With the countless trophy achievements across all Performing Arts disciplines, Gabi has been awarded all three Prep, Junior and Senior awards for Outstanding Contribution, Involvement and Excellence across the Performing Arts.
Gabi is a selfless individual, always willing to help others and truly embodies the St. Peter’s spirit in service to others and getting involved which shone through in her Prefect role this year. She was very deserving of this year’s recipient of the Lala Family Trophy (St. Peter’s Performing Arts Dux) for Excellence and Commitment to the Performing Arts.
“St. Peter's Performing Arts has been a home for me for seven years. The lessons I have learnt have been invaluable and I am forever grateful for the experiences it has given me. The staff and students involved in Performing Arts at St. Peter's have been the best family, and I look forward to seeing the next generation of students continue to foster that environment. I will never forget the memories made, thank you so much.”
Emma Coley is extremely passionate about Drama and has achieved exceptional results particularly in the field of Speech & Drama during her Seven-year journey at St. Peter’s. She has received colours in her Prep, Junior and Senior years and this year received a School Colour for Speech & Drama, Drama and Vocal. Emma has twice received the Schilov Cup for Outstanding Performance in Year 7-Year 10 Speech & Drama, and this year received the Robb Cup for Outstanding Performance in Year 11 -Year 13 Speech & Drama. As an Oscar Award recipient for being involved in the Senior Production for 5 years, she was also nominated for Best Supporting Female in a Youth Production this year for her role as Majella in The Pirate Queen. Emma has devoted her time to working with other students in her various roles in productions and as 2024 Year 7 Prefect for Chandler House.
“My Performing Arts journey at St. Peter's has been one of the biggest contributions to my personal growth. Through the many opportunities on offer to me, I have learnt and developed my artistic skills, and this has helped me create very meaningful friendships with new people."
Katie Li, Deputy Head Girl 2024, is a competent and dedicated all-round Performing Artist. She has achieved many awards during her 5 years at St. Peter’s for Instrumental Music, Visual Arts and more recently, Debating. A double National Youth Art Award finalist, a Regional Representative, Waikato Interschool Senior Premier Winner & Best Speaker, and was selected for the NZ Debating Development squad to represent NZ at the Western World School Debating Championships. She is also a long-standing musician in both Petra Musica and Impact Percussion Ensemble.
“From after-school rehearsals and lunchtime practices to countless performances, St. Peter’s has given me many opportunities to embrace everything the Arts has to offer. Even being “forced” to play the cello for a year was a lot of fun! One of my favourite experiences was being part of the Impact Percussion group, a unique ensemble made up of non-percussion players. A huge thank you to all the performing arts staff whose dedication and support made my St. Peter’s Arts Journey so memorable”.
Toby Zaiser arrived from Germany in February 2023 and quickly immersed himself into the Performing Arts and St. Peter’s life as a boarding student. Toby, who is also a Cultural Ambassador, is an exceptional pianist and always willing to play at multiple school events. The Music Challenge Cup is given to the student with the Highest Mark from one musical performance at the annual Bevan Cup instrumental competition. Toby received this Cup in 2023, and this year received it for his perfect performance and 100% mark. Toby successfully auditioned for The Pirate Queen and was given a lead role in the Production playing Dubdhara.
“Being part of the performing arts at St. Peter's has been an incredible opportunity to grow as a musician and performer. The dedicated staff and supportive student community made every collaboration a joy, especially the student production, and working alongside fellow musicians was truly inspiring. To anyone starting their journey in the performing arts, I encourage you to follow your passion and keep pushing forward.”