“This is a pretty exciting phase of your lives,” Ms Tuckerman said.

The winners are about to embark on the next chapter of their lives and the money that was put aside by the former Young Shire Council will enable them to reach their goals and dreams.

“It’ll help with our future endevours and at uni,” future University of Canberra student Maddie Coles said.

Ms Tuckerman reminded the scholarship winners that it’s important to give back to the community that has allowed them this opportunity and how giving back is how a community is created.

“To be able to give back to the community is really important,” Ms Tuckerman said.

Executive Director Lee Furness presented the winners with their cheques as Ms Tuckerman congratulated them. The presentation was followed by a morning tea and the opportunity to mingle before heading off to university.