Grace White, a year 7 student from Russell School, took out first place in the Intermediate Section of the Premier Awards at the recent Top Energy Far North Science and Technology Fair 2015 with her project on the hydrodynamics of swimming propulsion.

Myra Larcombe, a long time Top Energy WaterSafe instructor has been Russell Schools’ regular Top Energy Water Safe instructor for several years. Obviously Myra’s words have been rubbing off on the students. The following extract is taken from the Russell District and Residents Ratepayers Circulation published on Thursday 3 September 2015.

“With 80 entries in the year 7 and 8 section, Russell School was ecstatic to receive two of the top prizes at the Top Energy Far North Science and Technology Fair 2015.  Schools taking part in this section with us were Opua, Kaitaia Intermediate, Pakaraka, Springbank, Kerikeri High, Whangaroa College, and the Bay of Islands International Academy.

Inspired by our swimming guru Myra Larcombe, Grace White wanted to determine which style of swimming is more effective, – the straight-arm method or the bent-arm method.  Titled “Every Second Matters”, Grace White’s Gold winning entry was really about the hydrodynamics of human swimming propulsion – something very dear to the heart of Myra Larcombe.  So it was very appropriate that she invited Myra to the prize giving at the Turner Centre to see the project”.

“Congratulations Grace on your well-deserved award highlighting that technique matters. Thank you Myra, for being so inspirational to students and helping them to understand the importance of hydrodynamics in swimming” says Swim For Life Team Leader Louise Collings.

Pictured - Myra Larcombe (left) and Grace White (right) at the Turner Center in front of Grace’s wining project