Every year the Hurunui District Council recognises outstanding student achievement at secondary school level by presenting selected students with financial awards from the Secondary School Achievers Fund.

The awards encourage innovation and excellence in Hurunui’s secondary students. Applications for this year’s fund are now open, and will close on Monday 12 November.

The fund was set up to assist students financially each year to further their study at either secondary or tertiary level in the following year. Past recipients have used the funds for boarding or tuition fees, scholarship travel expenses and purchasing text books and electronic equipment.

Councillor Julia Mclean says the fund is important because the awards handed out recognise the hard graft some of our young people put in to getting the results they need to progress into a chosen field.

“Past recipients have come from a variety of backgrounds and held differing aspirations, but it’s their ability to achieve beyond their expectations that for me is the secret ingredient I am looking for as a panel member,” says Julia.

This year’s fund has been given a welcome boost thanks to a generous financial donation from law firm Buddle Findlay.

Councillor Geoff Shier says he is thrilled to see that the value of the council’s awards is being recognised by other organisations.

“It is a delight to see our council contributing to the future of our district by supporting these young achievers on their way to further education," says Geoff.

Details of the fund and how to apply for an award have been posted to the council’s website at: www.hurunui.govt.nz/services/awards-and-funds/.

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