South Wairarapa Rotary has provided a wealth of information on programmes and activities through to early 2019. For example The Biennial Youth Awards, held this month through to Martinborough Fair - held the first Saturday of February and March.

Recipients of the Youth Awards

South Wairarapa Rotary held the biennial youth awards night at the South Wairarapa Workingmens’ club this month.

12 of South Wairarapa’s most inspirational youths were recognized with a plaque and small gift that acknowledged their outstanding achievements in their schools, workplaces, homes, and in the wider community.

Scott Donaldson, recently returned from his record-breaking solo Kayak crossing of the Tasman Sea, was keynote speaker and was on hand to present the awards.

Scott emphasised the importance of preparation and tenacity and encouraged the awardees to ‘hold their heads up and be proud of themselves’ as those celebrating their achievements were also proud of them.

The recipients were:

Isla Alexander	Service to others, sport
Samson Dell	Leadership, sport
Harvey Morison	Academic excellence
Joshua Oakly	Overcoming adversity, courage
Heidi Redfern	Academic excellence, leadership
Amberleigh Rose	Achievement in poetry and speech, leadership
AJ Southey	Achievement in performing arts, leadership
William Taber	Achievement in music, leadership
Danielle Turton	Achievement in sport
Cohen Walford	Making a difference
Alex Walsh	Overcoming adversity, achievement in dance
Jarrod Yee	Achievement in sport, leadership

Greytown Christmas Parade

Our Christmas Parade team are already gearing up for the annual parade in Greytown. Those wishing to take part should email communityservice@swrotary.org.nz

Martinborough Fair/bursaries

The Martinborough Fair preparations are under way ready for February and March next year. Last year’s fair raised over $90,000 for distribution in the Wairarapa and internationally. Four Bursaries have been made available from those funds, allowing up to four very deserving students to be selected from 10 applicants to undertake tertiary studies. Applications for bursaries can be made at swrotary.org.nz. Applications for other forms of community funding made possible by this very successful fund-raiser can also be found on our website (swrotary.org.nz).

Rotary Young Leaders Awards

This program offers mentoring and training for youths between the ages of 18-24 years of age who exhibit leadership potential and would benefit from the exposure and encouragement available at this influential course. It is expected that employers and colleges would nominate people but we would be keen to hear from anyone who has an inspirational youth to nominate. (Applications via website close 26^th October)

Science Forum

Each year, Rotary sponsors a student to the New Zealand Science Forum. We have a successful candidate already and we are looking forward to hearing all about his experiences at the forum.

Innovative Young Minds

The Innovative Young Minds (IYM) program is designed to encourage young women to explore science, technology, engineering, mathematics and high-tech manufacturing - fields we call the STEMM sector. The week-long residential program is open to female Year 11 and Year 12 students, and runs during the July school holidays each year. This year, South Wairarapa Rotary sponsored two young women and we are looking forward to hearing about their experiences at the course soon.