Blue Mountain College has just over 200 students but managed to raise over $13,000 for the Child Cancer Foundation.
This led to the school being awarded the top prize, which comes with a trophy, a free trip to a Top 10 Holiday park and bragging rights.
Organiser Sarah Davies said she was blown away by the generosity in the community.
‘‘Very humbling.
‘‘It’s overwhelming how everyone came on board,’’ she said.
Blue Mountain College principal Lindy Cavanagh-Monaghan said she was extremely happy to be able to give back to the charity, and was proud of Tapanui.
‘‘We’ve had local people who have been affected and benefited from the Child Cancer Foundation, which is a huge help for families.
‘‘It makes you proud to be a part of this community.’’
Mrs Cavanagh-Monaghan said Blue Mountain College showed it was not the size of the school in the charity, but the size of the charity in the school.
‘‘The joy of it is, being 220-odd students, against schools 10 times our size, we smashed them all. How good does that feel?’’ Mrs Cavanagh-Monaghan said she applauded the students involved for their generosity, and thanked the Tapanui community for its support.
‘‘Teenagers get a bad rap sometimes, but this is how they really are, willing to sacrifice for a good cause.
‘‘We’re really blessed in this community. The heart just swells with pride,’’ she said.
Their hair might be growing back, but the pride of doing such a good job will last a long time for Blue Mountain College.
