The Youth Spirit Award celebrates young people who make a genuine and consistent difference in their schools and communities.
Maddie was acknowledged for her kindness, approachable nature and willingness to help others, especially through her mentoring and volunteer work with younger students.
Part of her efforts involved helped with a local primary school’s swimming programme — something she had been doing for several years.
A keen swimmer herself, she enjoyed teaching how to be confident and safe in the water.
"The award was for just volunteering myself and helping around the community.
"What I enjoyed most was helping Rosebank primary school with swimming ... taking groups of the little kids and teaching them how to swim and keep themselves safe in the water," she said.
"When they come and tell you how they’ve learned something and really liked it, or if I go back the next day and see they’ve remembered it and are ready to build on it — they make me feel like I've accomplished something.”
In addition to her community work, Maddie achieved academic success with merit endorsements in year 11 and 12. She also helped to organise the school ball.
"We are very proud of Maddie for her achievements ... We know [she] will be a great asset as she continues to contribute to the life of the school and the wider community" South Otago High School principal Mike Wright said.
