Medowie student Nakittah Leard, 16, winner of the Examiner's 2019 Annual Business Awards voter prize

The Year 12 Irrawang High School student, who won the voter prize in this year's awards, was blown away when informed of her windfall.

Her entry was selected by MarketPlace centre and marketing manager Colleen Mulholland-Ruiz from the 8000 voting forms entered into the draw.

"I was in shock when I heard I had won," Nakittah said. "We have hardly won anything, mum and I once won a hairdressing voucher, but my mum is a hairdresser so it wasn't very exciting."

Coincidentally, Nakittah's sole entry was made at the Forever Hair & Beauty salon in Medowie, where she frequents.

Nakittah says she will be sharing the winnings with her grandmother, Karen Leard.

"Actually it was my grandmother who filled out the entry form, which I am very grateful," she said.

"I'm still not sure what I will be spending the money on, but Christmas presents and some jewellery will be a good start," added Nakittah, who hopes to continue her studies at university after completing her HSC in 2020.

Mrs Leard said that, like her granddaughter, she was equally blown away when contacted about the winning entry.

"I had personally entered up to a dozen businesses during the voting period, both in person and online," Mrs Leard said.

"I was with Nakittah the day she had her appointment at Forever Hair & Beauty and it was her decision to vote, so I filled out the form in her name."

Mrs Leard said the family was very proud of the businesses in the area.

"We do the majority of our shopping in Medowie and Raymond Terrace. I believe it is only right that we shop in our local community and to recognise those businesses that provide exceptional services to the community."

In presenting the $1000 worth of MarketPlace vouchers, Ms Mulholland-Ruiz was equally proud to hand over the prize money to a local shopper.

"And it is even nicer to know that the young lady is a student at Irrawang High School," she said.

"MarketPlace has a strong relationship with the community and all the local schools, particularly Irrawang."

Forever Hair & Beauty took out the Hair Salon category in the 2019 awards.