School teacher, Benita Mareikura, was recently selected as one of 15 recipients of the New Zealand Office Max “A Day Made Better” award for her creativity and enthusiasm.
The global education award programme recognises exceptional primary and intermediate school teachers for their hard work and devotion to students and the teaching profession. The recipients each receive a certificate of achievement along with $1,000 worth of school supplies for their classroom.
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Ms Mareikura, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, lives in Napier with her husband and three children. Their oldest son, Jaymin-Lee Dallin Beecher Mareikura, is currently serving a Mormon mission in Iloilo City, Philippines.
Referring to the award, Benita said, “I don’t consider myself anything special. I’m just a teacher of year eight students, who goes to work every day looking for a challenge and to hopefully make a difference in one of their lives.”
She said she never expected accolades for her work, but was honoured to be nominated by her peers and judged by a team from the New Zealand Principals Federation as one of the winners.
“My strength and biggest support for all I do,” Benita says, “is my husband Lee Mareikura. He is the glue that holds our family together.”
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