In 2018 Smokefree Rockquest are celebrating 30 years of encouraging young people to write their own songs and play in bands. It is a competition where thousands of young musicians have got their start in performing and composing original songs.  A number of well known New Zealand musicians have got their start in this competition. Ōtaki College have had successful entries in Smokefree Rockquest in the past and in 2018 had two entries in the Solo/Duo section. Frankie Vidulich and Tiana Housiaux-Roderique performed an Anti-bullying song called Speak up and Holly O’Sullivan performed Someone to Love Me. Holly came first in this section and now has the chance to enter the National Final in the Solo/Duo section. This is a huge achievement and is highly exciting for Holly. Previously, Holly and Frankie played with the Te Horo School band, The Vibes, in the bandquest competition and this is a step up for both girls as they have had to write and perform their own original material. Holly will make a video recording of her playing four original songs and will find out in August whether she has made the National Final. We wish Holly all the best and look forward to hearing more from her during the year.