Farewell to students who juggle books, babies | Wairarapa News | Local News in Wairarapa

The tears and the laughter flowed at the end of year Wairarapa Teen Parent Unit (TPU) prize giving at Makoura College on Wednesday after another year of hard won success.

Pictured above are the unit's four newest graduates, from left mother of two Lani Pomare, 21, and mothers of one Carmel Herrick, 20, Oksana Jeff, 20, and Elianna Taylor, 19.

The four graduates all have their eyes on the transition from the unit and have either already got jobs, are looking to greener pastures in other locales or heading for tertiary education.

Teacher in charge Rae McKenzie was sorely missed at the graduation - unable to attend because she's been laid up in a hospital bed.

However, Mrs McKenzie sent her love to the graduates and returning students, whom she promised a "bigger, bolder, brighter and more beautiful," year ahead when they return in 2010.

Instead teacher Prue Smith took on the (teary) task of farewelling the graduates, each of whom had contributed to the life of the TPU in their own way and had worked hard to achieve their various life goals and academic qualifications.

"Good luck girls, go forth into this world with the courage you have shown us," Mrs Smith said.

The graduates then read heartfelt tributes responding with a few tears of their own as they thanked their teachers for their ongoing support, scholastic guidance, lending an ear and, occasionally, a shoulder to cry on.