Miss James was nominated by Kahu Youth workers Richard Elvey and Kim Holmes for her work on the school council and helping organise the school formal, youth week activities and other alcohol- and drug-free parties.
She represents Students Against Drunk Driving at the college, is completing the Duke of Edinburgh Silver Service Award and Students in the Community programme and also helps with Special Olympic skiing and snowboarding.
QLDC arts and events facilitator Jan Maxwell said yesterday the council received a record number of nominations and it was heartwarming to see the depth of community spirit in the district.
Each finalist was acknowledged at the awards and received a native tree before winners in the six categories were announced.
The recipients were. -
Business: The QLDC Wanaka Horticulture and Street Cleaning Team.
Social and cultural: David Giles, Kingston and Peg Walker, Queenstown (joint winners).
Environmental and heritage: Taylor Reed, Arrowtown.
Landscape and urban design: Baxter Design Group, Queenstown.
Arts: Alexa Forbes, Queenstown.
Youth: Hannah James, Wanaka.
Civic Awards (recognising lifetime commitment): Glen Reid, Queenstown (Wakatipu Rugby Club captain, Pelican Cricket Team manager, and life member of Showbiz Queenstown); John Turnbull, Wanaka (conservationist, Forest and Bird Society branch chairman).
