The BLAKE Young Leader Award winners who didn't realise their impact until they won

Jorja Mayo, from Hastings, won a BLAKE Young Leader Award in 2020.

From leading in school sports to helping the wider community or being a role model to their peers, the year five to year eight students who are awarded the BLAKE Young Leader Awards are always an inspiration.

But one thing the students seem to have in common is that they don’t realise the positive impact they have until they’ve been handed the award.

REDnews spoke to some of last year’s winners, who were all shocked to receive a BLAKE Young Leader Award.

Sophia Watson, from Southland, who is now in her first year of high school, said she didn’t believe the award was hers when her name was called out.

“I was shocked and frozen when they said my name and hearing the speech before the award was given to me, was quite emotional,” she said.

“Now when I look at the medal and certificate on my wall it makes me smile. When I'm feeling down it puts me in a better mood, knowing that people see me as a leader. It has also given me more confidence, especially with starting high school. I'm using that confidence to explore new things.

Sophia Watson (right) won a BLAKE Young Leader Award in 2020

"My advice to this year’s winners is to think of it as a real honour because Sir Peter Blake was really inspirational. People have thought of you as a leader, so use it to remind yourself how great you are if you're feeling down. I encourage others to learn Sir Peter Blake’s story and be inspired by it,” Sophia said.

Jorja Mayo from Hastings said she was also surprised to win the BLAKE Young Leader Award in 2020.

“I really thought it was going to be someone else. But since winning the award I’ve felt more confident, especially when talking to my teachers.

“Over the past year I’ve also received a dance scholarship outside of school and started playing the violin and soccer. I’ve also received some badges for excellence in food technology and Te Ara Ako.

“My advice to other kids is to just be yourself, do what you want to do and achieve those goals,” Jorja said.

Nominations for the 2021 BLAKE Young Leader Awards are open until July 20.