Seventeen students from Te Kura o Tititea Mount Aspiring College (MAC) have received a contribution to their higher education expenses from Central Lakes Trust (CLT).

Now in its 19th year, the CLT scholarship programme has supported 820 students with more than $2M in funding since its inception. 

The awards recognise academic achievement as well as each student’s wider accomplishments and personal qualities.

The 2025 MAC recipients were among a total of 69 students from schools around Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes who each received scholarships of $2,500.

The recipients were celebrated at an event in Cromwell on Monday (November 3).

CLT chair Linda Robertson said she was always inspired by the breadth of ambition and talent among local young people.

“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.”

Following the scholarship awards, the winners of the CLT Art & Design Competition, judged by local artist Dee Copeland, were also announced - and the top award went to Lilya Cochrane from MAC for her piece ‘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 be featured on a commemorative tea towel celebrating CLT’s upcoming 25th anniversary.

The 2025 MAC CLT scholarship recipients are Joseph Combe, Mila Culpitt, Grace Thomas, Dan McKean, Abby Jago, Cody Brett, Barnes Metcalfe, Lili Kaler, Phoebe Gillespie, Harry Oxley, Chloe Murray, Eli McArthur, Dorothy Anderson, Lucy Radford, Midori Osnabrugge,

Cholula Brown and Ania-Kanu Saklani.

PHOTO: Clare Toia-Bailey