Media release
Strictly embargoed until 8pm Monday 28 September

Giving student scoops top award

A Wairoa College student was recognised last night at the Trustpower Wairoa Community Awards, for her commitment to service. Kayley Simmonds was named the winner of the Trustpower Youth Community Spirit Award for her efforts to volunteer in the school setting and out in the community.

The award is jointly presented by Trustpower and the Wairoa District Council, and local high schools were asked to recommend one student to be considered for the award.

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 Wairoa district.

Trustpower Community Relations Representative Jess Somerville says Kayley’s nomination spoke of a young woman who cares deeply for those around her and in the community.

“I really do love presenting the youth spirit award, because it shows everyone the future of New Zealand is in safe hands – here is a teenager who has a real grasp on what community is.

“Kayley’s a fine example of this and it’s amazing what she finds time for, over and above her great academic results. At her school she has coached a junior hockey team for the last three years, has organised a number of mufti days and cake bake sales for good causes like the Nepal earthquake or the first XV’s trip to Europe and she played an important role in the organising of, and fundraising for, the school ball.

“Her commitment extends out beyond the school gates too. In 2011 Kayley completed the CACTUS programme and because she got so much out of it she has been volunteering for them since to ensure others get to enjoy this experience. Over the years she has also been a member of the Hawkes Bay Regional Council Youth Environmental Council as well as secretary for YROA YNOT. As part of this programme she set up a breakfast club at her school which provides a hot breakfast for students who don’t get it at home for whatever reason, and I’m really only skimming the surface of her contributions.

“Kayley seizes opportunities to help others and thrives off the difference community service makes. The variety of causes, projects and services she lends a hand too is outstanding and sounds darn right exhausting and it’s a pleasure to highlight some of these contributions here tonight”, says Somerville

Miss Simmonds received a trophy, framed certificate and $500 prize money, with $250 being given to a community group or organisation of his choice (Yroa Ynot Youth Voice).

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