College Events
Celebrities Raise $6000
20 October 2009One Tree Hill College has raised about $6000 from a celebrity sports night and dedication on 16 October to buy equipment and bleachers for the new Ron Stacey Memorial Gymnasium.
Ron Stacey, who died in 1983, was the foundation principal from 1955-68 and his children, Ken Stacey and Frances Folster, were present at the dedication. The gym, which complements a smaller existing gym, was built on the site of swimming pool opened in 1970 and named in Ron Stacey's honour.
The evening was hosted by Nigel Hurst and included celebrities Tony Johnson, Peter Ropati, Anna Stanley, Jeremy Wells, Beatrice Faumuina and Tanya Dalton. About 190 people attended.
Principal Iva Ropati, himself a former rugby league Kiwi and Warriors player (and brother of Peter Ropati), described the evening as a "magnificent reflection of the strong community and alumni support for the college".
"It is one of a number of highly successful functions we have held at the college in recent times. Its success reflects our growing college roll and improved standing in the One Tree Hill community."
Mr Ropati said the event underscored the hard work of staff and sponsors in recessionary times and also confirmed the decision of the Board of Trustees last year to change the name of the college from Penrose High School to One Tree Hill College.
"We continue to perform strongly and support from parents and the wider college community is growing accordingly."
Photo: One Tree Hill College principal Iva Ropati (centre) with the children of foundation principal Ron Stacey, Ken Stacey and Frances Folster. A new gymnasium at the college was dedicated on 16 October to the memory of their late father.
