Published: Thursday, 14 September 2023 10:10
For many years Auckland Girls' Grammar School has recognised its distinguished former students at an annual Founding Day Assembly. We began the Assembly in 1992, taking up a suggestion from the Old Girls' Association that we acknowledge the achievements of some of our former students. On Founding Day the Old Girls' Association also awards scholarships to four of our current senior students. Over the years, Founding Day has become a very important day on our school's
calendar, and we have been delighted and honoured at the many successful Old Girls who have agreed to return to their old school to accept this award and, by doing so, provide both motivation and encouragement to our current students.
This year was no exception, and we were pleased to honour:
Utufa’asisili Rosemary Mose attended from 1993-1997. Rose has had a successful career in Education. She was first in her family to attend University and holds a Master of Professional Studies in Education from the University of Auckland. She was Miss Samoa, New Zealand in 2003. In 2020, Rosemary was recognised by the Government Women’s Network as one of nine Wāhine Whetū, rising women stars in the public Sector. She currently is the Deputy Chief Executive Pasifika at NZQA (New Zealand Qualifications Authority).
Kendal Collins 2001-2003. After achieving a Social Work degree at MIT, Kendal started Sisters United in 2017 with her two sisters Parris and Narelle. This organisation has supported young women to build their confidence, know and value their worth, and given them the confidence to chase their dreams. AGGS has benefited from being part of this programme for the past seven years and we have seen the positive effect the programme has had on our students.
Parris Goebel (Kendal’s Sister) Parris could not be here in person as she is in the middle of rehearsals for a show in Los Angeles. We watched a recording with Parris thanking the school for the honour and telling our students how “anything is possible. If I can do it, you too can dream big.” After Parris left school she started the Palace Dance Studio in Penrose and has since then supported many New Zealand dancers. Her success in dancing competitions in the United States led her to become a choreographer to the Stars, the most famous being Rihanna’s Super Bowl performances.
