Generous youth recognised through Youth Spirit Award

A Waitaki Girls’ High School student was recognised earlier this evening at the Trustpower Waitaki Community Awards, for her commitment to service in and out of school.

The teen was awarded the Trustpower Youth Community Spirit award for her efforts to volunteer in the school setting on various schools committees and as deputy head girl, and for her extracurricular activities, including leading Girl Guides groups locally.

The award is jointly presented by Trustpower and the Waitaki District Council, and local high schools were asked to recommend one student to be considered for the award. Alex Lister also won a Youth Community Spirit Award in the Waihemo area – this award is presented annually as an acknowledgement of Trustpower’s former sponsorships in the community. Award runner up Josh McColl attends Waitaki 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 been a good ambassador for the school and the Rotorua region.

Trustpower Community Relations Representative Arielle Monk says Miss Ballantyne’s nomination spoke of a young lady who cares for deeply those around her and in the community.

“I really do love presenting the youth spirit awards, because it shows everyone the future of New Zealand is in safe hands – these are teenagers who have a real grasp on what community is.”

“Hannah has been described as someone with a strong sense of social justice, and with her fund raising for victims of Cyclone Pam in Vanuatu, and campaigning and participating in Relay for Life, we can definitely see her vision extends beyond her own personal bubble,” Miss Monk said.

“As a coach, mentor and determined fundraiser she is a very deserving Winner of this Award and it is an absolute pleasure to highlight some of her achievements here tonight, along with Alex and Josh.”

Miss Ballantyne received a trophy, framed certificate and $500 prize money, with $250 being given to a community group or organisation of her choice (Waitaki Youth Council).

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