Extra mile with a smile

What makes a really great citizen? Leadership skills and  empathy - key attributes this Rangitoto College student offers her community, explains Valerie Schuler.
It is gratifying to be publicly awarded for being an outstanding citizen. However, the honour comes with a price attached.
"There's a lot of pressure involved. It's like you constantly have to watch what you say or do, just in case somebody is watching. It's all a bit freaky,'' says 14-year-old Cassidy Skelton.
The Rangitoto College third former was the recipient of last year's North Shore Citizens Advice Bureau's Good Citizen's Award.
"It was a great, if somewhat unexpected, honour,'' says Cassidy, who was a pupil at Westminster School in Albany at the time.
"It all happened at last year's prize-giving. We were all wondering why the mayor was there and, suddenly, I was called up on stage. I was really confused at first.''
Cassidy received a certificate, a trophy and a $50 book voucher. She is the award's first recipient and her name has been engraved on the good citizens' shield, which will be passed around the winning schools year by year.
The  award was developed especially for primary school children who go the extra mile for their communities.
"The spotlight is always on kids who do sport and it's usually the high school kids that get recognition.
"We wanted to highlight that young kids can do things in the community, too, and should be recognised for that,'' says Joan Lardner-Rivlin of the Northcote bureau.
Cassidy was nominated for her leadership skills and ability to empathise and encourage other pupils.
Kent Wilson, the principal of Westminster School, says: "I've been here 10 years and she is one of the most caring kids I've come across. She gets alongside people that need that bit of extra support, are hurting or sad. She's also really good at getting things started. She set up our school's basketball team and dance group.''
Cassidy's older sister and caregiver, Eva-Corrien Pederson, believes her little sister's empathy comes from her life experience.
"I'm really proud of her,'' says the 22-year-old.
But, for Cassidy, being kind and compassionate just comes naturally.
"It's fun to help and organise things. I think it's normal that if someone is sad, you ask them if they're okay. Dad is a basketball coach and I've played all my life, so setting up a team seemed like a natural thing to do.''
The North Shore Principals' Association formulated the criteria for the award.
Nominations for this year close  November 15. All local primary schools are invited to make nominations. For more info, phone Joan Lardner-Rivlin on 483 9671.