Two inspiring young women were awarded with Quota International of Auckland's Community Champion Award at the Auckland Town Hall on September 30th.

Award winner Lydia Hoby- Sharpe and Alisha Rayner with His Worship the Mayor
John Banks and Quota President Lyn McKenzie

The Award honours young women who have faced difficulties in their lives and succeeded.  Recipients have met the challenges of daily life 'head on' and inspire others by their example.  By their positive attitude and efforts  they have become an inspiration to others in their community.

His Worship the Mayor, John Banks, presented the first award to Lydia Hoby-Sharpe a student at Diocesan School for Girls in Epsom.  Lydia was born with a major craniofacial anomaly which effects hearing, speaking and breathing and has a severe hearing loss.

She has a wide range of interests and excels academically as well as in music and dance.  She is studying for the International Baccalaureate Diploma which is a challenging 2 year course.

She is currently working on a book about bullying and how to deal with this, aimed at teenagers, and especially teenagers with disabilities.  Having herself been a victim of bullying in the past, she now wants to draw on her first hand experience to give others strategies to help themselves.

In 2009 she was awarded the American Classical League National Latin Examination Silver Medal, Summa Cum Laude.  She completed the Royal Schools of Music Grade 5 - Violin with Distinction.  At school she is a member of the Diocesan Sinfonia and the Diocesan Chamber Ensemble. She is also a School Librarian and a member of the Library Committee and the Dutma Writing Group.

As an extra-curricular involvement she is a column writer for the Advocate, the newsletter of the Auckland Parents of Deaf Children and in 2008 she was Runner up in the Sunday Star Times Short Story competition.

Lydia is positive, motivated and hardworking.  She has earned the respect of others by her work ethic, her positivity and her ability to persevere no matter what the task.  

Carol Somervell Award winner Alisha Rayner with her family and His Worship the Mayor John Banks

Also honoured was Alisha Rayner, a Year 12 student at Henderson High School.  Alisha has had 3 brain tumours since she was 5 years old.  These have affected her eye sight and she has no vision in her left eye and limited vision in the right.   She also has mild epilepsy requiring medication.   Her limited vision makes sports involvement difficult and has caused some learning difficulties such as the ability to comprehend complex concepts.  In spite of this she shows a great determination to attempt subjects that require a high level of processing.  She has the help of a Teacher Aide for some class work. 

Apart from her school work she is in the school choir, singing at various Retirement Villages in the Henderson area.  She devotes one lunch time a week running and organizing a Christian Meeting for other students.  She also helped organize World Vision at school and is a representative on the School Council.

Outside of school she is a member of her Church music group.  Each week she helps with cleaning at her Grandmother's home.  She is weekly volunteer at “Ons Dorp” Art Centre and is a volunteer fundraiser for the Cancer Society.

Alisha is seen by her peers to be reliable and conscientious.  She demonstrates a strong sense of independence and her coping ability is an inspiration to others.  She communicates well and shows compassion and interest in others.  She shows a steadiness and faithfulness in all she does and her warm and friendly manner and gentleness make her a very special person.

Quotarian Carol Somervell with His Worship the Mayor John Banks and Lydia Hoby-Sharpe and Alisha Rayner

Award winners Lydia Hoby-Sharpe and Alisha Rayner with Quotarians

Award winner Lydia Hoby-Sharpe with Quotarian Katrina McKenzie and His Worship the Mayor John Banks