Caleb (17) was selected ahead of two other pupils nominated by Oamaru secondary schools - Waitaki Girls' Victoria McCulloch (17) and St Kevin's Thomas Lord (17) - for this year's award, which was presented to him at the school assembly yesterday.
Run in conjunction with the TrustPower Oamaru community awards, the youth award recognises secondary school pupils' service to the school and the community and is organised jointly with the Waitaki District Council.
TrustPower community relations representative Melanie Tavendale said yesterday the wide range of activities Caleb carried out in the community made him a popular choice.
Caleb is captain of the Waitaki Boys' second five basketball team, is vice-captain of the softball first XI, and created, captained and coached the school volleyball team.
At Waitaki Boys', he also leads the school haka and the kapa haka group, as well as being the board of trustees representative and a member of the social committee.
Out of school, he helps out at the What Next children's holiday programme and works at Out of School Care And Recreation (Oscar). He organises youth events as well as the technical equipment and computers for the Orwell Street Chapel.
"Caleb is a natural all-rounder with a wide range of interests, who is quick to give up his own time to help others.
"He is a well respected member of his school and the wider community, has a very generous character and is a great role model to others," Mrs Tavendale said.
Caleb will receive a framed certificate and $500 prize money, with $250 going to Caleb personally and $250 being given to a community group or organisation of his choice.
