Samantha Duff from Murupara Area School has been named as the winner of the TrustPower Whakatāne District Youth Spirit Community Award.

The Award was presented at the TrustPower Whakatāne District Community Awards Tuesday, 27th August) at the Little Theatre in Whakatāne.

Run in conjunction with the TrustPower Whakatāne District Community Awards, the TrustPower Youth Community Award recognises secondary school students’ service to the school and the community. The Award is jointly run by TrustPower and the Whakatāne District Council.

Local high schools were asked to recommend one student to be considered for the Award. To be considered for the TrustPower Youth Community Spirit Award, students had to have given service to school or community projects, treated others with care and respect and been a good ambassador for the school and the Whakatāne region.

Duff was selected for the inspiring difference she makes as part of a "High Impact Project" called Tiaki Kura, which sees her working with a small group of students who are struggling with their class work.

Duff received a trophy, a framed certificate, $250 in prize money, and was allowed to make a $250 donation to the community group of her choice.