"Every one of you is a worthy candidate," he said.
"This award is presented in memory of Constable Graham Wackrow who died while on duty in Dannevirke and although he was before my time, I know he'd want you guys to know you are all role models and all unique in some way."
Winner Boronia has completed her Level 2 NCEA at Dannevirke High School and is now volunteering at Tararua Community Youth Services while she works to gain qualifications to become a youth leader, before heading into the police force.
"I aspire to be the best youth worker and police officer this community deserves," she said.
Jeanne O'Brien, youth leader and known to young people as Aunty Jeanne, said she was "super-duper proud" of all Wackrow nominees.
"What amazing young people we have in our town," she said.
As an enthusiastic volunteer at the youth centre, Boronia supports young people to gain access to much-needed services and is an ambassador and connector for young people from school into the community.
Second-placed Eimhin O'Shea said his pride in his achievements with St John Cadets was given back so others could experience it themselves.
"St John youth for me is family," he said. "I love learning and I spend the bulk of my weekends and every Tuesday with St John."
At 14, Eimhin received the International Lion Club's gold service award, completing more than 100 hours of volunteer service in a 12-month period.
That same year Eimhin received the St John 100-hour community service shield and last year achieved the 200-hour shield. And this year he was named the Wairarapa St John district cadet of the year.
Third-placed Malachi Boyd, 14, is a Year 10 student at Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Tamaki Nui a Rua.
"I'm here representing my community, whanau, hapu and iwi and although I was told to speak, I believe in the Maori proverb, a kumara doesn't speak of its own sweetness," he said.
However, Malachi's nominator, Jeanne O'Brien, said his kindness was extraordinary.
"He shows empathy and compassion to all and always goes the extra mile to offer help to others, no matter who," she said.
"Malachi helps out in this community without a second thought."
* Guest speaker Kym Fell in Monday's edition.