St John Wakatipu voluntary youth member, and Wakatipu High School pupil, Tessa Hughes (17) had her name put forward by a St John colleague to an adventure trekking company called Everest Treks, earlier this year.
In October, she received a letter saying she had been selected from applicants across the country.
"I just couldn't believe it when they said 'you're going to Everest'. I still don't believe it," Miss Hughes said.
An aspiring paramedic, she will fly to Kathmandu in April for a two-week trek at the base of Mt Everest, up to heights of 4500m.
Miss Hughes' mother, Arrow Events co-ordinator Julie Hughes, said she was taken to hospital last year after collapsing several times from a vocal condition called paradoxical vocal cord dysfunction.
In January this year, Tessa contracted a serious gastric stomach condition, and was in hospital for a further four months on high doses of steroid medication.
"I was on so many pills, but now I'm on no pills and I'm heading to Everest ... I think being ill for all that time will just make me appreciate it more," she said.
However, being nominated is just the first step. Alongside fitness training, Miss Hughes has until February to raise $7400 to cover trip costs.
With her mother, and younger sister Megan (13), Tessa has held sausage sizzles, and has started working as a lifeguard in Frankton and Arrowtown with Lakes Leisure.
She received a $200 donation from the Arrowtown Volunteer Fire Brigade, and a $500 donation from local can-can dancing outfit, the Buckingham Belles.
"Having the support of the community is just great. We've raised $1300 so far and I'll keep working hard to raise the rest," she said.
Tessa will be joined by fellow Wakatipu High School pupil Ashley Robb (16) on her trip.
Ashley's mother, Catherine Robb said they booked the same programme entirely by chance.
"We wanted to book a travel opportunity where Ashley would be able to help people ... we think it will be a far more positive experience," Mrs Robb said.
A lifetime fan of Sir Edmund Hillary, Miss Hughes said she was humbled to meet his son, Peter Hillary, last month.
"He was so inspiring. I'm spending nearly six months training for Everest and he basically goes there every day ... He told me 'you will see and witness things you never could have dreamed of'."
The 15 young New Zealanders will visit local schools and hospitals, and take part in a reforestation project on the slopes of Gumela.
For the next two Saturdays, Miss Hughes will be sizzling more sausages with her sister, at Remarkables Park, from 9.30am.
