Sharnay Waikato’s top young volunteer
Volunteering Waikato’s Volunteer of the Year – Youth Award has gone to Sharnay Cocup of Taupiri.
The 20-year-old received the award on Friday (June 24) at an event held in Wintec’s The Atrium.
“Sharnay has absolutely made her mark,” said award nominator Hayley Hughes, from the Taupiri Youth Group Charitable Trust . “She has established a successful youth group, rebuilt a public walkway and established a memorial garden. She has helped troubled youth, sits on the board of trustees for the local school and has helped to revitalise her community and make it a safer place for all.”
“She has created a positive community initiative that has got young people involved and off the streets. She is seen by the youth as someone to be like and follow – many want to follow in her footsteps. She provides them with a voice, and is an inspiration to all that meet her.”
Sharnay is also studying for two Bachelor’s degrees in Business Management and Bi-Cultural Social Work at Waikato University.
In May she won Waikato District Council’s Like a Boss category in the first-ever Waikato District Youth Awards. At the event Mayor Allan Sanson said today’s youth were tomorrow’s leaders. “They are also often the eyes and ears of our community and have a lot to contribute to its development. That’s why it’s crucial that our Council continues to support, involve and recognise our district’s young people and their role in shaping our community’s future.
- Number 8 Network walked the Taupiri Mountain last week, see story and photos here.
I am so impressed by Sharnay. I heard her speak at the Volunteering Waikato award ceremony and she is a truly inspiring young woman. She has accomplished more in her few years than most people do in a lifetime. I’m sure we will hear more of Sharnay as the years go by as a Waikato leader if not a national one.