Twenty-two Central Otago students were among 69 outstanding young people celebrated at this week’s Central Lakes Trust (CLT) Annual Scholarship Awards, with each recipient receiving $2,500 to support their next steps in education.

The successful rangatahi from Cromwell College, Dunstan High School and Roxburgh Area School joined peers from Te Kura O Tititea Mount Aspiring College, Wakatipu High School, and Te

Aho o Te Kura Pounamu at the awards event held on Monday evening (November 3).

CLT chair Linda Robertson said it was inspiring to see the breadth of ambition among this year’s recipients.

“Each year we’re amazed to see all the exciting directions our region’s students are heading in - from artificial intelligence to music, nursing and more. It’s a privilege for CLT to help support

them as they take the next step in their journeys,” she said.

Cromwell-based firm Meyer Cruden also presented its 10th Annual Engineering Scholarship at the event, continuing its commitment to developing the next generation of engineers.

Director Carl Meyer said encouraging local talent was part of the company’s ethos.

“Supporting local talent has always been a core value of our firm. Engineering is about problem solving and innovation, and it’s exciting to help a young person take that first step toward

building their career in the field,” he said.

Guest speaker Paralympic gold medallist Anna Grimaldo shared reflections on resilience and perseverance, encouraging students to embrace challenges and opportunities as they continue

striving toward their goals.

Now in its 19th year, CLT’s scholarship programme has supported 820 students with more than $2M in funding since its inception. The selection process is managed by local schools.

Guest speaker Anna Grimaldi. Photo: Clare Toia-Bailey

The winners of the Central Lakes Trust Art and Design Competition were also announced, with Cromwell artist Dee Copeland, who judged the entries, awarding the top prize to Lilya

Cochrane from Te Kura O Tititea Mount Aspiring College for her piece titled Always Look for the Good.

“We enjoyed the beautiful use of colours and the overall composition is beautifully executed,” Dee said.

Lilya’s artwork will feature on a commemorative tea towel marking CLT’s upcoming 25th anniversary and in the trust’s next annual report.

Central Otago recipients:

Cromwell College: Keir Dolphin, Thea Fleming, Evan Wiltshire, Bella Thomlinson, Lachie Morton, Aidan Westlake, Laura Bates, Becky Thomson, Nevaeh Reddy

Dunstan High School: George Lindsay, William Miller, Jasper Wearing, Callum Redgrave, Zavier Robb, Jake McGinnis, Amelie Sutherland-Harris, Tui Simpson, Jai Moffitt, Andrew Baird, Jack

Sinnamon, Neihana Riwhi

Roxburgh Area School: Jude Moore

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