Logan's community spirit earns award

Logan Alexander with his sister, Jilly, who won the award five years earlier, at the Trustpower Far North Community Awards ceremony in Opononi. Photo / Supplied

Kerikeri 17-year-old Logan Alexander has won this year's Youth Spirit award, part of the Trustpower Far North Community Awards.

Trustpower community relations representative Jess Somerville said Logan's nomination spoke of a young man who cared deeply for the people around him and in his community.

It was amazing what the Year 13 Springbank School student found time for - while also achieving great academic results. The awards were announced in Opononi last week.

"At school, he is head of technical support, a role which sees him co-ordinate audio support for school events ranging from drama productions to firework displays, while mentoring younger students to develop their audio-visual skills," Ms Somerville said.

"He represents his school at several events, helps organise charity events and is assistant coach to the school hockey team.

"Out in the community, he supervises the after-school badminton club, acting as coach, mentor and umpire. He fundraises for charities, uses his technical skills to volunteer for the Turner Centre, and is an active member of the Bay of Islands Coastguard."

This year's runner-up was Gabrielle Harris of Northland College.

The other finalists were Quinn Moffat of Taipa Area School, Grayson Javins of Kerikeri High School, and Parehuia Tito-Paraone of Kaikohe Christian School.

Every Far North high school is invited to nominate a Year 13 student for the award. Nominees must have served school or community projects, treated others with care and respect, and been a good ambassador for their school and the Far North.

Half of Logan's $500 prize money will go to Bay of Islands Coastguard. Logan's sister, Jilly Alexander, won the same award five years earlier.