Hillcrest High School proudly congratulates Ariel Wu, named Dux for 2025, and Yousuf Tayyab, awarded Proxime Accessit. These two outstanding students have exemplified the very best of Hillcrest, combining academic excellence, leadership, and service with humility and perseverance.
Ariel Wu – Dux 2025
Ariel’s record of achievement this year is extraordinary. She earned Distinction in Design & Visual Communication, English, and Biology, alongside a host of special awards recognising both depth and breadth of excellence:
-
Chin Award – Top Physics Scholar
-
Horan Award – Excellence in English over five years
-
Outstanding All-round Science Scholar
-
Trevor Wilson Award – Statistics
-
Tungston Shi Award – Chemistry
Ariel also served as the Board of Trustees Student Representative for 2025 and was presented the JL Trust Award for Service and Contribution to the School, a reflection of her commitment to both academic and community life at Hillcrest.
Her academic success has been recognised nationally with two major university scholarships:
-
University of Auckland Vice Chancellor’s Scholarship – $30,000
-
University of Otago Academic Excellence Entrance Scholarship – $45,000
Ariel’s curiosity, creativity, and commitment to excellence have made her an outstanding role model for her peers, and we are immensely proud of all she has achieved.
Yousuf Tayyab – Proxime Accessit 2025
As Head Student for 2025, Yousuf has combined leadership with consistent academic excellence. His results include Distinction in Physics, Statistics, and English, as well as Diligence in Digital Technologies – Programming, Statistics, and Chemistry.
Yousuf’s dedication was further recognised through the Alison Wray Award for English, reflecting both his analytical strength and his ability to communicate ideas with clarity and insight.
He has also been awarded a University of Auckland Top Achiever Scholarship valued at $25,000, recognising his outstanding academic record and leadership potential.
A Tradition of Academic Excellence
The Dux and Proxime Accessit awards represent the pinnacle of academic achievement at Hillcrest High School. They acknowledge not only intellectual ability, but also sustained effort, curiosity, and a passion for learning. Ariel and Yousuf have both demonstrated these qualities throughout their time at Hillcrest, excelling in their studies, contributing generously to our school community, and upholding the values that make Hillcrest such a special place to learn.
We congratulate them on their achievements and wish them every success as they take the next steps in their journeys.
