2019 Rotorua Young Achievers Series

When it comes to high school role models, Kuljyot Lall is about as good as it gets.

The Year 13 student at John Paul College made history when he was selected as Head Boy for 2019.

It was the first time that a Sikh boy was selected to lead a Catholic school.

Kuljyot was born in New Zealand to Indian migrant parents and raised in Rotorua. He has proved himself to be an outstanding leader, academic achiever and accomplished sportsman during his time at John Paul College.

'I am proud of what is a big achievement not only for me but for the Sikh and wider Indian community in New Zealand. It is a big stepping stone for us all,” says Kuljyot.

Remarkably Kuljyot is the third member of his family to be given a Rotorua Young Achievers award.

He says the award is the culmination of years of effort and hard work put together.

'It is almost like a chocolate bar crossing the finishing line. You put in all your hard work through high school and you are about to step into the next chapter.”

Hockey is Kuljyot's main sporting pastime although he is also a black belt in Taekwondo.

This was his second year captaining the Bay of Plenty Under-18 team. He has been in the John Paul College First XI for four years and also played for intercity and Rotorua men's teams.

Hockey was always going to be his sporting path. His father Dr Karandip Lall played and still coaches today.

'Since I could walk I have played hockey, so have just been working my way up the ranks. It is a great sport. I love the side of teamwork and competitiveness and just trying to strategise, build off your team and try and win.”

Kuljyot loves to give back to his school and community. He is a role model for junior students and found time to coach the John Paul College red hockey team.

'It is a big thing for us. The way we have been raised is to literally give what you can give, especially for other students or other people that are migrating.

'So for me I have always particularly enjoyed kids' company as well so coaching is always good fun. It is rewarding. You can coach and give back to others that need it.

'The coaching we got right through (at John Paul College) was all voluntary. We had a coach Neil Watson who did it all for us, so it's like an appreciation and paying it forward.”

Next year, Kuljyot begins a degree in biomedical sciences at Auckland University with the goal to follow in his father's footsteps in a career in medicine.

His excellent track record of studies at school, achieving Excellence in NCEA Levels One, Two and Three, helped him secure the University of Auckland Top Achiever Scholarship of $20,000 for the first year.

* The annual Young Achievers awards are sponsored by the Rotorua Energy Charitable Trust (RECT) for success across sports, cultural, community, academic and leadership fields.