Whangamata Area School students could be the ones to look up to after bringing home five awards in the Open Division of the ASB 2014 Stage Challenge and J Rock competition at Baycourt overnight.

Whangamata Area School picked up five awards in the Open Division of the ASB 2014 Stage Challenge and J Rock competition. Photo by: Quickpix Photography.

The school's performance ‘Look up' won them the Ministry of Youth Development Award of Excellence for Environmental or Social Awareness; Canon Award of Excellence for Visual Enhancement; The Edge Award of Excellence for Soundtrack; Southern Trust Award of Excellence for Drama and the Ministry of Youth Development Award of Excellence for Concept.

Te Aroha College picked up two awards for their piece ‘Know You're Not Alone' including the Award of Excellence for Set, Design and Function and the CanonAward of Excellence for Visual Enhancement.

A total of 11 schools competed in last night's competition, which was won by Papamoa College.

The college's winning performance ‘Lest We Forget' told the journey of war and the two significant 20^th Century events that left a deep and lingering impact on New Zealand.

'War affects more than those who serve and touches the hearts of all New Zealander's,” the school says in a description of the piece.

'To acknowledge World War I we share a common story with real letters. We honour the service and the sacrifice of all soldiers and their families – lest we forget.”

Event Manager Sarah-Jane Phillips says Papamoa's performance was visually stunning.

'I couldn't take my eyes off the stage.”

Production judge David Artis says their performance was a wonderful presentation of a tough and emotional story.

'They couldn't have packed anymore drama into their performance if they tried. It was a beautiful and powerful.”

Otumoetai College's performance ‘The Game of Life' and Bethlehem College's ‘Be The Revolution' tied for second place.

Sarah-Jane was once again blown away by the students' talent and hard work after viewing Monday night's raw performances without set. The raw division was won by Aquinas College with their piece ‘The Search for the Light'.

'Tonight's performances reflect how Stage Challenge and J Rock are great outlets for youth to creatively express themselves and their values.”

The ASB 2014 Stage Challenge is proud to be supporting New Zealand students to be 100 per cent drug, alcohol and tobacco free.