Leanne Mark (Field)
Leanne was an “energiser bunny” at school! There wasn’t anything athletic that she shied away from. As well as her sporting prowess Leanne was an excellent student in the classroom and took on many responsibilities as a leader. Leanne was her class representative for four years and was on the Senior Class Executive in Year 13. She gained SC in 1987, Sixth Form Certificate in 1988 and Higher School Certificate in 1989.
From school Leanne went to Hamilton Teachers’ College and graduated with a Diploma of Teaching in 1993 and a Bachelor of Education in 1994.
She excelled in athletics, swimming and netball. Leanne played for 3rds A and 4ths netball and then had three years as a member of College A. During that time she was an Under 18 representative and travelled to North Island Champs in Palmerston North.
She was a talented swimmer (Junior Girls Champion in 1985) and was part of the school swim team at both Thames Valley and Waikato. Leanne was also the Cross Country champion.
But it was track and field where she shone. She was a dedicated trainer and her efforts were justly rewarded. Leanne was always the school champion in her year (junior, intermediate and senior), represented the school at Thames Valley, Waikato and at National Level. In her final year she was the New Zealand Secondary Schools’ javelin and shotput champion.
As a result of all this success Leanne won the major sporting awards for three years. In 1987 Leanne was the “most outstanding girl field athlete” in 1988 – most points in swimming and athletics, most outstanding girl field athlete, most outstanding girl athlete and Matamata College Sportswoman of the year. She followed up in her last year at school retaining the Sportswoman of the Year title and the most outstanding girl athlete awards. Fabulous achievement!
Leanne also enjoyed being on stage and had a singing role in the school production
“Tonight at Noon” in 1988.
Leanne has taught Physical Education her entire working life (as well as having time off for her children). She taught for two years at Nga Tawa Diocesan School for Girls and has taught at Palmerston North Girls High on and off since 1998 to the present.
She and Mark have been married for 20 years this year and have two lovely children – Rebecca (10) and Corbin (3).