Two big-hearted local school students have been rewarded for their outstanding contributions to their community.
Emma Robinson from Taupo-nui-a-Tia College and Jessica Parker from Tauhara College have been named as joint winners of the 2012 TrustPower Taupo Youth Community Spirit Award.
To be considered for the spirit award, students must have given service to school or community projects, treated others with care and respect and been good ambassadors for their school and region.
Jessica contributes to every facet of school life where she is deputy head leader and involved in the performing arts, is a peer support leader, house leader, on the school executive and various committees. .
But her reach doesn't stop there - she is also involved in community programmes to raise awareness on cancer and the environment.