As it has for the last 20 years, Rotary Karori was the lead sponsor for the 2017 Awards, presented at a well-attended ceremony on 5 September. The Awards are the brainchild of former Rotarian, Wally Simmers, along with Heather Baldwin of the Karori Community Centre.
 

 
The Awards recognise the achievements of Karori young people in service to the community, arts and sports, academic improvement after overcoming obstacles, courage and bravery, and contributions to other young people. This year, 26 awards were made, including the Supreme Award to Lily Marsh. The award citations featured social activism, mentoring and leadership. 
 
A keynote address by Zara Maslin of Attitude NZ stressed that young people should find their strengths and use their potential to do something meaningful beyond themselves. 
 
"It won't always be easy - the right thing isn't always the easiest, and the easiest thing isn't always right. The most important things in life are what you do for other people."
 
 
President Graeme congratulated the awardees and underlined Rotary's support for growing the capabilities of young people. He noted Rotary programmes available to young people, such as RYPEN and RYLA.
 
He highlighted Innovative Young Minds, a pilot programme launched by Rotary Hutt City aimed at years 11 and 12 female students from the Wellington Region considering a technology career.
 
(Enquiries concerning any of these programmes should be made to karorirotary@gmail.com)