A Rotorua teenager has achieved something truly remarkable: perfect attendance for 13 consecutive years of schooling. Casey Paul, a recent graduate of Rotorua Girls’ High School, never missed a day from the very first moment she stepped into her first classroom.
The Ministry of Education lauded the feat, noting that while 100 percent attendance every day isn’t something easily attainable for most, Casey’s record stands as an extraordinary milestone worthy of celebration. In explaining her secret, Casey credited good health, a liking for the routine of school, the joy of seeing friends, strong family support, and the guidance of exceptional teachers — especially those most recently at Rotorua Girls’ High School.
Casey’s educational journey began at Westbrook School and continued at Rotorua Intermediate School before her high school years. Rotorua Girls’ High School shared their pride on social media, writing, “What an achievement Casey! We, along with the schools you’ve attended previously, are incredibly proud!”
In an interview with RNZ earlier this year, Casey admitted she has fallen ill at times, but never on a school day. “I have been sick, but surprisingly I’ve only been sick during holidays or on weekends,” she said in January. She also mentioned contracting Covid-19 only during a holiday period and even turning down a family trip to Hawaii to preserve her perfect attendance.
Casey now aims to pursue paramedicine. The Rotorua Daily Post reported that she will study a Bachelor of Health Science with a major in paramedicine at Auckland University of Technology next year. Her motivation is clear: “I want to be the person who can change someone’s face from, ‘holy crap, I wonder if they will survive,’ to, ‘yes, they’re going to be fine.’”
During the summer, she plans to work at a supermarket while she studies.
Key takeaway: Casey’s dedication to health, routine, and education has kept her attendance flawless, and it’s shaping a future dedicated to helping others.
