Lucy Beres won the Bright Award for graphic design, for her work titled ''Black, White and the Inbetween''.
''I watch a lot of television and film, and I've noticed the lack of diversity of people in lead roles especially.
''The message of my design is that representation matters.
''It's important for people to see other people like themselves on screen so they know that they matter in society.''
The Bright Awards recognise the emerging creative talents of New Zealand years 11-13 secondary school pupils, in graphic design, web and interactive design, photography, animation and games.
Another Columba College pupil, Sasha Meyer, won a highly commended award for her graphic design titled ''Earthsong Eco Campaign''.
Lucy won $1000 for herself and $3000 for Columba College.
''I was really shocked to win. I don't think I have a lot of confidence in my work, so winning it was such a confidence booster.''
She plans to use the prize money to study information science at university next year and hopes to forge a career in website design and marketing.
