OBHS, 7 June 2026
Pasifika Leaders Recognised with Toa Scholarships
Congratulations to Samuel Kohlhase and Ryan Nafatali who have both been awarded a Toa Scholarship from the Pacific Trust Otago.
The Toa Scholarship is awarded annually by Pacific Trust Otago to Year 12 and 13 students of Pacific heritage attending secondary schools in Otago. The term toa means champion, leader, or warrior, and the scholarship recognises students who demonstrate high academic standards, exceptional leadership, and a strong commitment to their communities.
Samuel, a Year 13 student, is a school Prefect, a leader and role model for our Pasifika students, a leader of the OBHS Polyfest group Tama Mai Le Mauga, and a member of the school's 1st XV. Academically, Samuel is a Level 2 Merit Endorsed student and is currently a Level 3 Centurion. He has not failed an assessment this year. He generously gives his time, passion, and energy to a wide range of school and community activities.
Ryan is developing into a strong and positive role model for our boys. As a Year 12 student, he is actively involved within the Pasifika group and is beginning to take on leadership opportunities within the school. He is showing real promise, and the Toa Scholarship recognises both his current achievements and his future potential.
Ryan is also a strong academic, having achieved NCEA Level 2 with success last year, and he is currently a Level 2 Centurion. He is a member of the School Choir, our Pasifika group, and the school's 2nd XV.
Congratulations to Samuel and Ryan on this well-deserved recognition. We are proud of the leadership, commitment, and excellence they bring to our school community.