Rotorua's Kelsey Horne is a young woman with a true passion for her community.
That was recognised at the Blue Baths last night, when the John Paul College deputy head leader was announced as the winner of the inaugural TrustPower Rotorua Youth Community Spirit Award.
Described by judges as an "impressive young lady who truly knows the value of community spirit" Kelsey fundraises for local charities, coaches water polo, referees Rotorua Flippa Ball and is part of the Lasallian Youth gathering and mentoring committees. She is involved in stage challenge, school productions and has excelled in speech and drama.
However, it was her work with Lakes Ranch Children's Camp that really impressed the judges.
Every school holidays for the past four years, Kelsey has volunteered for a week as a senior leader, working with disadvantaged children.
As well as winning $250 for herself Kelsey nominated a community group to receive another $250, which she presented to Lakes Ranch.
"It's fantastic to win but it's especially great to see it [the money] go to something that I am so passionate about," she said.
Kelsey, who hopes to become an educational psychologist, said it had been an inspiring evening as all the finalists were doing amazing things.
Mamaeroa Merito of Rotorua Girls' High won the Waiariki Outstanding Project Award for her work with Kia Piki Te Ora, a suicide prevention organisation. Committed to raising awareness of youth suicide, she came up with the idea of a wristband, which was launched at a national suicide prevention conference. She won $250 and chose Te Runanga O Ngati Pikiao to receive a $250 donation.
The three other finalists were Adam Bow (Rotorua Boys' HS), Rarua Tahuriorangi (Rotorua Lakes HS) and Jessica Drysdale (Reporoa College).