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 musthave 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.
Jessica is a senior leader in the Oneighty Youth Group, at her church, and is part of the worship band, playing the piano.
Emma is deputy house leader at Taupo-nui-a-Tia College, a Year 13 tutor representative, a member of the senior executive committee and is on the school council.
She is also the convenor of the college publicity committee, is an editor of the TNT Times and is the treasurer for the Zenith Club at school.
In the community, Emma has volunteered her time to teach hip-hop at Leanne Short's School of Dance, at Taupo Primary, Mt View Primary and at St Patrick's School. She also worked as a volunteer for the 2011 ironman competition.
By winning the TrustPower Taupo Youth Community Spirit Award, Jessica and Emma each receive a framed certificate and $500 prize money, with $250 going to them personally and $250 to a community group of their choice. The award was presented on Monday during the Taupo District Community Awards, at the Great Lake Centre in Taupo.
