Trustees, Danny Hatcher and Robina Boardman congratulate both of these young people, their families, teachers and all those who have given them support over the years for their results.

The $1000 prize has been awarded to the winners and it is hoped it will help Karolina and Keeton in whatever they may wish to do with their future.

Karolina will attend the University of New England at Armidale and will study for a psychological science degree while Keeton will also attend the same university to study engineering.

“This year I was very pleased that Danny Hatcher Snr who, through the Canadians Opal Dealers was one of a few who set up this special fund, will be in LightningRidge to personally present the cheques to both Karolina and Keeton at Westpac Bank,’’ Ms Boardman said.

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

He mined and worked for Giles and Associates, known as the Canadians, but 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 Lightning Ridge 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.

We take this opportunity to wish all future students every success in their studies.