Bayfield High School: Roxanne White

While some say sporting injuries are career breakers, Bayfield High School head girl Roxanne White (17) says they can also be career makers.

The school's senior A netball co-captain and Bayfield Sports Development Programme pupil injured her ankle in a tournament recently and ended up with shin splints in both her legs.

‘‘It was really painful - especially the physio - but from that experience, and talking to my physiotherapist, a career in physiotherapy caught my interest. I like seeing how the body works - the whole biomechanics thing.''

Roxanne hopes to mix commerce papers with a degree in physiotherapy at the University of Otago and ultimately own her own clinic.

When Roxanne is not darting about a netball court, she has her eye squarely on the environmental practices of her school and the local community.

She is a member of Otago Harbour Watch and part of a major ‘‘push'' to make Bayfield High School more environmentally sustainable by recycling waste and doing simple things like turning off lights and computers when they are not in use.

‘‘I would hate to see what the world would look like when I'm a grandmother if we didn't make changes today. I like the environment and I worry about it. ''

Getting school staff and fellow pupils to follow suit was challenging at times but Roxanne's leadership skills eventually won them over.

‘‘Being fair, giving everyone an equal chance, being assertive but not dismissive of others' ideas and being honest - these are qualities I try to embrace as a leader.''

Achievements: Senior school council secretary (2009); senior A netball team (2008-09), co-captain (2009); Students Against Drunk Drivers chairwoman (2009); Bayfield Sports Development Programme (2007-09); peer mediator (2009); peer support (2009); Otago Harbour Watch (2009); 1st in physical education (2008); Outward Bound (2008).

Role Model: Waikato Magic goal defence Casey Williams. "She's an amazing netball player and she's got good values — she's a good sport."

Hopes for the future: To study physiotherapy and commerce at the University of Otago.