Student Success

SVA Service Award: Our Community’s Inspirational VolunteersIntroducing Seth Turner and Mia Mackenzie -

Our world is made brighter by the selfless acts of individuals like Seth Turner and Mia Mackenzie, who are dedicated to giving back to our local community. Their unwavering commitment to service has earned them prestigious awards, recognizing their outstanding contributions.

Congratulations to Mia Mackenzie, who has been awarded the SILVER Service Award for her remarkable volunteer efforts, totaling over 250 hours of service. Mia has been an invaluable asset to the Childcare Centre, Rhiarne at Home, where she has facilitated activities such as cooking, baking, helping students with schoolwork, and organizing active games. Her dedication and passion for making a difference in the lives of children are truly commendable.

Meanwhile, Seth Turner has earned the coveted GOLD Service Award, becoming Ōtūmoetai College’s 10th Gold recipient. Seth has contributed an astonishing 500 hours of volunteer work to our community. His tireless efforts have been focused on working with Intermediate students and Youth at the Bethlehem Baptist

Church, as well as supporting the Tauranga Foodbank by packaging and providing food to those in need. Seth’s commitment to serving others is truly inspiring and sets a shining example for us all. Congratulations Seth!

The Joy of Giving Back

For both Seth and Mia, volunteering is a true privilege. Mia, who has the extra time to spare, feels grateful for the opportunity to give back to others. She finds fulfillment in supporting students with their schoolwork, a service she wishes she had received when she was younger. To her, being a role model for others is a responsibility she cherishes.

Similarly, Seth acknowledges the support of his family in enabling him to volunteer. He takes pride in being the dependable go-to person for the youth in his care, and he believes that helping others is a way to make a positive impact, regardless of the family one is born into. Seth’s family understands and supports his passion for volunteering, allowing him to dedicate his time to making a difference in the community.

Mia finds internal rewards in her volunteer roles, feeling energized by the services she provides. Witnessing the power of a community coming together is a driving force for her. She has been instrumental in organizing donations of ball dresses and suits for the upcoming school ball, and seeing the smiles on the faces of recipients is deeply fulfilling for her. Mia is grateful for the willingness of the community to give and the impact it has on those who receive these generous donations.

For Seth and Mia, volunteering is not just about the act of giving back, but also about the personal fulfillment and joy it brings. It’s a privilege they are grateful for, and they continue to be motivated by the positive impact they can make in their communities.

We applaud Seth and Mia for their selfless contributions and unwavering dedication to making our community a better place. With individuals like them leading the way, our world is undoubtedly in fantastic hands.