Aucklander Special Award: Nathan Woolley

If you want to know Nathan Woolley's mission, just read the letter he wrote to himself about his priorities as Avondale College's head boy.

Number one is "to focus on raising and mentoring the younger generation", and the First XI soccer captain was working on the goal right up until his sudden death in August — when his enlarged heart gave out during a match.

The day before Nathan passed away, he spoke at a local primary school, telling the senior students that they can be leaders for the juniors.

After he died, dozens of letters arrived at Nathan's home from the little pupils, telling his family they now aspired to be head prefects too one day.

Messages flowed from Nathan's own school — from hundreds of students and teachers who felt they'd had a special connection with the popular 17-year-old who went out of his way to give them the time of day.

A shirt sitting in Nathan's room next to boxes of personal tributes reads "Nathan is my hero", a simple message that seems to sum up the teenager's lasting, uplifting influence.

Nathan is such a fantastic example of an ordinary young Aucklander who did extraordinary things, our judging panel made a special category to honour the him in this year's The Young Aucklander of the Year.

He is nominated by family friend Linda Allen who writes: "Nathan made every day count; positively influencing countless lives because of who he was."

Parents Lisa and Mark continue to be inspired by people's many wonderful memories of their late son.

"He left a strong legacy of 'come on guys, you can be a leader'," says Lisa.

Mark says it's time for others to pick up the baton Nathan passed on.

Nathan's legacy is being chronicled by a documentary maker who wants to spread the good work Nathan did in his short life around schools nationally.

Nathan, also a talented musician and active member of his church, will be continued to be honoured by Avondale College, which plans to establish an annual award carrying his name.

- THE AUCKLANDER