The winner is Benjamin Gregory and the trustees, Danny Hatcher and Robina Boardman congratulate Benjamin, his family, teachers and all those who have given him support over the years.

Usually there are two winners, a boy and a girl but there were not any girls sitting the 2009 HSC so there can only be one winner for 2009.

The $1000 prize has been awarded to the winner and it is hoped that it will help Benjamin in whatever he may wish to do with his future.

We understand from speaking to this worthy recipient that Mr Gregory will go to the University of NSW to study Civil Engineering.

Chris Witcher was a young man of Lightning Ridge who inspired and motivated many youngsters and was very popular with children and adults.

He mined and worked for Giles and Associates, known as the Canadians but he died in the 1970s.

The Canadians decided to donate a sum of money to support the youth of Lightning Ridge in his name.

Danny Hatcher and Robina Boardman are the trustees of this fund which has been going since 2003 and it was decided to use it with its accrued interest

in this way, both to motivate the youth of Lightning Ridge

and also to help them on their way after they have completed their studies at the Central School.

The aim is to provide assistance with the high costs most young people meet as they proceed to university or some other tertiary training.

The local school is not involved other than submitting results to the trustees and the trustees decision is final.