East Otago High School head girl Natasha Muller says everyone has great challenges in their daily life, but if pupils know they have someone who sympathises with them, it can help them cope.
The 17-year-old dedicates many hours to her fellow pupils as house captain, student council treasurer, netball and volleyball captain and peer support leader.
"I'm always around to lend an ear."
Natasha is also a competitive athlete.
She was first in physical education in 2006, third in the school's senior girls athletics for the past two years and a member of the senior A netball team which won the Dunedin Centre B grade netball competition last year.
In her spare time between school and sport, Natasha has shown she has a keen sense of business.
She works part-time at the Waihemo Pharmacy and spends long hours fund raising for school events such as 40- Hour Famine, sports teams, school formals and field trips.
"I do it to lower the cost of activities so that everyone can be involved. Sometimes, some families can't afford to be involved."
Natasha plans to merge her leadership skills and competitive spirit with her business acumen to forge a career as a business manager.
Eventually, she hopes to travel to Canada and become the manager of a chain of marketing companies.
Achievements: Senior girls athletics 3rd (2007-08); 1st in physical education (2006); house captain, student council treasurer, peer support leader, netball and volleyball captain (2008); Effort in geography shield (2007); Best junior basketball player (2005); First aid certificate (2007); Kiwi Host Certificate (2006).
Role model: "Oprah Winfrey. She's got money but she puts it out there for people in need."
Hopes for the future: To study business management, marketing and psychology.