Embargoed until 8:00pm, Thursday 25 September 2014

Generous Youth Recognised through Youth Community Spirit Award

Ella Austin of Awatapu College has been named as the 2014 Trustpower Palmerston North Youth Community Spirit Award winner for her service to school and community. This award is jointly run by Trustpower and the Palmerston North City Council in conjunction with the Trustpower Palmerston North Community Awards.

The finalists for the Award are Hayley van Waas from Palmerston North Girls’ High School, Jonathan Brandon from Freyberg High School and Niam Macdonald from Palmerston North Boys’ High School.

The Trustpower Youth Community Spirit Award celebrates the work young people do to enrich their community and is open to all students who have given service to school or community projects, treated others with care and respect and are a good ambassador for the school and the Palmerston North region. Local high schools were asked to nominate one student each to be considered for the Award.

Trustpower Community Relations Representative Jess Somerville says the Trustpower Youth Community Spirit Award is a great opportunity for a generous student with a big heart to be formally acknowledged and congratulated.

“Ella has an incredible ability to find time for whatever lands on her plate, rise to the challenge and make a difference. It is this approach to life which sees her take part in a wide variety of activities both at school and in the community.

“Ella’s volunteering began with Girl Guides at the age of seven, where she was encouraged to volunteer in projects like Keep New Zealand Beautiful, the Salvation Army Kitchen and Food Bank Drive. Gaining her Duke of Edinburgh and Queens Guide Award then opened doors to volunteer on a more personal level like operating the projector at All Saints Church.

“Chosen as a leader at Awatapu College, Ella’s enthusiasm for volunteering has only grown further and this is shown through her organisation of bake sales for the Epilepsy Foundation and by organising the school team for the Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.

“On top of this Ella is the secretary of the School Council, she is involved in the Archive Committee which is currently preparing a book to commemorate the history of the school and she has been instrumental in organising teams to attend United Nations Student Models.

“As a dedicated fundraiser, student representative and humble, unassuming leader she is a very deserving winner of this Award”, says Miss Somerville.

For winning the Award Ella will receive a trophy, framed certificate and $500 prize money, with $250 being given to a community group or organisation of her choice.

The Trustpower Youth Community Spirit Award will be presented at the Trustpower Palmerston North Community Awards, being held at the Convention Centre tonight on Thursday 25 September.

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