Winner of Youth Spirit Award Announced
Keanu Kahukura from Southland Boys High School has been named as the winner of the TrustPower Youth Community Spirit
Award.
The Award was presented at the TrustPower Invercargill Southland Community Awards held tonight (Monday 7 November) at
the Invercargill Working Men's Club.
Run in conjunction with the TrustPower Invercargill Southland Community Awards, the TrustPower Youth Community Spirit
Award recognises secondary school students' service to the school and the community. The Award is jointly run by
TrustPower and the Invercargill City Council and the Southland District Council.
To be considered for the TrustPower Youth Community Spirit Award students had to have contributed widely to their school
and community while developing good relationships and showing respect and care for others.
TrustPower Community Relations representative Jess Somerville says Keanu is an outstanding natural leader at Southland
Boys High School.
"Keanu takes his time to get to know his fellow students and is fully involved and committed to his school and wider
community.
Keanu is the Cultural leader at his school, represents his School in the 1st XV, coaches junior rugby teams, led the
Pasifika group and yet manages to find time to be part of peer support and the peer mentoring programme.
Outside of school Keanu is very active in the Community and is one of only two representatives for the Alcohol Advisory
Council of New Zealand for Southland. He also works hard for his Youth group who spend time with and assist those less
fortunate.
Keanu impressed the judges with his with his extensive involvement in his school and wider community. He is a positive
role model who is very supportive of his peers and willingly gives his time to help others. He has initiative in
bucket-loads, is warm-hearted and highly-motivated in his personal and community goals and we wish him all the best for
the future," says Miss Somerville.
For winning the Award Keanu will receive a framed certificate and $500 prize money, with $250 going to Keanu personally
and $250 being given to a community group or organisation of his choice.
Keanu chose to donate the $250.00 to the City Impact Church Invercargill Youth Group.
The TrustPower Youth Community Spirit Award will be presented at the TrustPower Invercargill Southland Community Awards,
being held tonight, Monday 7 November.
ENDS