The hard work and leadership of 22 Hastings secondary school students was rewarded at the Hastings Heretaunga Lions Club Young Achievers Awards last night.
The awards ceremony, held at the Hawke's Bay Opera House in Hastings, was the third organised by the Lions club to recognise the positive influence youngpeople contributed to the community.
Hastings Heretaunga Lions Club secretary for the project, Viv Brown, speaking shortly before the awards, said she was excited to be able to introduce another 22 students to the community as examples of what young people could achieve.
"There are very motivated people and really it's about highlighting what they've done in the community as a group, there is no one single winner.
"Next year most of them will be off to tertiary study and they will be sharing their knowledge with other students, giving their time."
Ms Brown said she hoped the students would stand as examples to other young students still working their way through secondary school next year.
"I think the positive nature of these young people will be enough to motivate others."
Hastings secondary schools selected two Year 13 students each for the awards, who were deemed to be well-rounded, excellent role models and had achieved beyond expectation in one or more fields. It included areas such as performing arts, sporting and cultural endeavours as well as academic achievements.
Ms Brown expected about 170 people to attend the invitational- only awards event last night, which featured performances from the students.
They included Stephanie Verbokke, from Hastings Christian School who performed a flute number, Tameti Teweti from Flaxmere College with a dance routine. Rose Mickleson, Woodford House, presented an original "environmental poem".
"The poem sounds interesting and it is an original that Rose wrote. I think all of the performances from the students reflect the achievements they've made this year."
Ms Brown said she hoped the awards would continue to be an annual event.
Hawke's Bay Today will profile the students in a feature in the near future
