Sacred Heart College has achieved one of its strongest results at the annual O’Shea Shield, bringing home three major trophies from this year’s competition. 

Held at Cullinane College in Whanganui, the faith-based competition brought together students from 17 Catholic secondary schools from the Wellington and Palmerston North Dioceses to compete in public speaking, scripture reading, debating, and drama. 

Sixteen students represented Sacred Heart across a range of categories, with five earning top honours.

The three awards included the Cardinal McKeefry Memorial Cup for Oratory, awarded to Year 13 Head Girl Sneha Jenson, the St Peter Chanel Cup for English Scripture Reading, awarded to Year 11 student Poppy McCaskey and shared with a student from St Joseph’s Māori Girls’ College, and, for the first time in more than three decades, the Mercy Cup for Religious Questions, awarded to Hayley Cope, Trustina Aluni and Caitlin Montaperto-Wells.

The Mercy Cup team studied a 16-page papal document written by Pope Francis and responded to in-depth questions on its content and relevance to faith and life. Their preparation was supported by Sacred Heart’s Director of Religious Studies Tom Silverwood, and Eva Deihl, a former Sacred Heart College student who was in Year 13 in 2021.

Caitlin, a Year 13 House Leader, said the win was “very special” not only because it marked a first for the school, but also because she had competed last year without placing.

“It was a great experience growing closer with the school team but also meeting people from other schools and connecting with students with the same Catholic values.”

Hayley, in Year 12, said the win was deeply meaningful, both personally and spiritually, and she felt honoured to be part of her school’s history.

“Knowing that my faith has been recognised means I have achieved more than just winning a trophy. It serves as a testament to my beliefs. Winning this cup leaves a legacy for the school and acts as a role model for the next Sacred Heart College girls to strive for success.”

Trustina, who competed for the first time, described the experience as one filled with “nerves and excitement” and said it was “awesome to see how our hard work paid off.”

The Deputy Head Girl also valued the opportunity to connect with students from other Catholic schools.

For Head Girl Sneha, it was the second time she had won the oratory trophy. Her eight-minute speech, delivered without cue cards and titled The Fear of Solitude, explored how people have become uncomfortable in their own presence in a hyperconnected world.

She said it was an honour to win the oratory trophy for a second consecutive year.

“When I think of it as a wider competition that has been happening for many years, it means a lot to me because I am a part of a bigger story,” she said. “To have won it two years in a row is something I did not expect, and so I am feeling very blessed and grateful.”

Sneha also acknowledged the support of her coach, Erin Smith, a former student and parent of the school.

“She supported me and gave me a lot of confidence in myself to be able to perform my best.”
Year 11 student Poppy said the event was unlike anything she had done before. She studied six scripture passages in advance, then had just thirty seconds to review the one she was assigned before reading it aloud.

“To be able to represent SHC and win, in something I’m passionate about, it’s amazing. It was also really cool to win it alongside another Hawke’s Bay girl,” the 15-year-old said.

Beyond the nerves and excitement of it all, Poppy said she really felt the sisterhood from the team.

“To be supported and cheered on while also doing the same to them and getting to know people who I might never have spoken to otherwise. It’s also amazing to travel and see other schools and meet new people through it.”

She thanked Dean Dr Amanda Aarons for “being a huge support” during her preparation. “I was unsure about it at first, but she showed me I could do it and was incredibly helpful.”

The students’ achievements were recognised in a mihi whakatau at school earlier this week, where staff, students and whānau gathered to celebrate the success.

Principal Maria Neville-Foster said it was a truly inspiring weekend, with each event a powerful expression of the students’ faith and worldview through a Catholic lens.

“Our students represented the school with immense pride and integrity. They supported one another wholeheartedly, demonstrating a strong sense of community and sisterhood that was beautiful to witness.”

Mrs Neville-Foster congratulated all involved, calling it an incredible achievement and a testament to the students’ teamwork and dedication.

“I know they’ve created lifelong memories and formed new friendships with peers from other Catholic schools. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to the preparation and success of this event.”

Article added: Friday 23 May 2025