Te Awamutu College takes out Waikato Stage Challenge

Te Awamutu College narrowly beat King’s College for the top position at Friday night’s Stage Challenge and J-rock competition.

Celebrating 20 years of history, the ASB 2012 Stage Challenge and J-rock was at the Founders Theatre in Hamilton on Thursday and Friday night, playing host to a range of Waikato schools.

The competition encourages participating students, from primary to high school age, to have fun and keep active without the use of drugs and alcohol.

Event manager and ex-Stage Challenge participant Gemma Parry believes the best part about the challenge is the opportunity to experience a natural high by performing on stage in front of an audience of up to 2000 people.

“It is an experience students will always remember, long past their school days,” Parry said.

Jahmaine Paki and Cornelius Tamaki, both 17, couldn’t agree more after they helped lead Te Awamutu College to victory on Friday night.

Paki said they felt nervous leading up to their performance.

“It was really nerve racking, but once the lights went on, the nerves went away,” Paki said.

With months of hard work leading up to the final performance, Tamaki wanted to thank all those involved in making the night a success.

“Thank you to all the teachers for helping, the lighting crew and the audience,” Tamaki said.

It was a close victory for Te Awamutu, whose performance addressed the ‘Machine’ and the control it has over society, over King’s College’s spirited performance about human trafficking.

Brooke Sandler, 24, an uncle of two Te Awamutu performers, was impressed with the level of skill and creativity, and was proud to be watching his nieces perform.

“I am really proud of them getting up there and have fun,” Sandler said.

Other notable performances came from Putaruru Primary, Te Awamutu Primary, Fairfield College and Fraser High.