Blue Mountain College pupil Maeva-Rua Kopa (left) with Jane
Stuart, of Kidz Way, at the awards on Tuesday night. Photo
by Helena de Reus.
A Tapanui teenager was rewarded for her dedication to the
West Otago community this week.
Maeva-Rua Kopa, of Blue Mountain College, won the TrustPower
Clutha youth community spirit award.
The 17-year-old teaches guitar and ukulele, has a leadership
role in kapa haka and has been involved with the West Otago
Theatrical Society, Stage Challenge, school productions and
fundraising for Christchurch earthquake relief. She also
plays football, cricket, netball and social volleyball.
Maeva-Rua said she loved kapa haka because it reminded her of
her culture, Cook Island Maori.
She received a framed certificate and $500- $250 for herself
and $250 for Kidz Way Early Learning Centre, the community
group of her choice.
"It was great to get the award. It's a reminder that people
are watching and they really care and notice what is
happening in the community."
Blue Mountain College principal Lindy Cavanagh-Monaghan said,
while it was always difficult to select just one pupil, she
believed Maeva-Rua "epitomised" the community spirit
recognised through the award.
TrustPower community relations representative Jess Somerville
said Maeva-Rua had thrown herself into school life
"wholeheartedly" and was a very talented pupil making a
positive difference in her community.
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