Sarsha Drakeford named top AWARD School student in NZ at a grad ceremony in Auckland

Sarsha Drakeford has been awarded New Zealand’s top AWARD School student this week at a graduation ceremony at Little Easy, Auckland on 4th November.

More than 50 creatives and industry supporters attended the event, which showcased the best pieces of work from the 2014 class of 16.

Second place went to Geordie Wilson, followed by Simone Ward in third.

AWARD School head, Rory McKechnie congratulated all of the students on their achievements while guest speaker, Damon Stapleton (chief creative officer, DDB Group New Zealand) offered words of advice on taking the next step in the industry: “Advertising is still the most fun you can have with your clothes on. But getting into advertising can be no fun at all. You have to hustle and have a bit of luck. You also have to realise the harder you work the luckier you will get.”

‘The Communications Council acknowledges the tutors who dedicated their time to mentor the students through the program: Zac Lancaster & Tom Cunliffe (DDB) and Freddie Coltart and Matt Williams (FCB). Another thank you goes out to the following guest speakers: Josh Lancaster & Jamie Hitchcock (Assignment); Damon Stapleton (DDB); Cory Chalmers (Saatchi & Saatchi); Dave King (Whybin TBWA); Daniel Wright (Colenso); Shane Bradnick (DDB); Brigid Alkema & Erik Hay (Clemenger BBDO); Regan Grafton (FCB); Jonno McMahon & Lisa Fedyszyn (Whybin TBWA); Nick Worthington (Colenso) and James Mok (FCB).

The AWARD School program has now been running for more than 30 years; the 2014 graduates follow in the footsteps of many of today’s creative leaders, including past students: David Droga, founder and creative chairman of Droga5, and Matt Eastwood, worldwide chief creative officer at JWT, New York, Craig Davis, ex-chairman of AWARD and co-chairman & chief creative officer of Publicis Mojo.

(Pictured L-R: 1. Sarsha Drakeford, Simone Ward, Geordie Wilson, Carlene Newall; 2. AWARD School graduate class)