Central Lakes Trust (CLT) has announced the names of 21 Central Otago students to have been awarded with scholarships this year. 

A total of 50 students from across five secondary schools each received  a scholarship valued at $2,500 for further education in 2022.

The announcement comes in lieu of what would normally be an official awards ceremony held each year on the Tuesday following Labour weekend.

CLT chair Linda Robertson says cancelling the scholarship ceremony was a difficult decision.

“It wasn’t made lightly, but regrettably due to current COVID alert level 2 restrictions, the logistics of bringing together 50 students and their parents, from multiple schools wasn’t going to work in terms of maintaining social distancing,” she says. 

“While it’s disappointing not to be able to get together to share in the celebration of these student’s achievement, each and every one of them should be applauded for their efforts, they have done exceptionally well.”

Local students who have been awarded with scholarships courtesy of Central Lakes Trust.

The scholarships aim to assist students in further education beyond secondary school. New to last year’s awards was the inclusion of vocational scholarships.

“The addition of CLT vocational scholarships is to specifically recognise the importance of vocational knowledge and skills and the importance vocational roles play in our society’s future,” Chief Executive Susan Finlay says. . 

Nine vocational scholarships were awarded, alongside seven Pioneer Energy science and technology scholarships, and 34 tertiary scholarships.

“While it’s disappointing not to be able to hold our formal celebration and give the recognition each student deserves, we’re very pleased to be able to continue to support young people undertaking further education,” Susan says. 

“In the 15 years this programme has been running we’ve helped 584 young people, to a total value of $1,426,500.”

Students from the five high schools in the CLT region were eligible to apply through their school. The selection criteria considers various factors including the applicant’s academic record, all-round qualities and achievements.

Linda says “there are few better investments we can make in the future success of our community and this region, than to invest in our young people. 

“To our 50 highly deserving students, well done and best wishes for your future studies.”

Since 2015 Meyer Cruden Engineering have offered a scholarship and summer internship to go to an eligible first year engineering student. 

This year’s award goes to Georgie Bruce of Mt Aspiring College.