The Yass District Education Foundation distributed in excess of $25,000, raised from the local community, a record amount to date for the community.

Chairperson of the Yass District Education Foundation, Nic Carmody, said that the presentation night was to get the students together to meet some of the people who donated the money and those of the community that assist them in achieving their goals.

"All the children should be very proud of their achievements. They are excellent ambassadors for the town,” Mr Carmody said.  

“I think it’s important for the students to see where the funds come from, that it comes from the local community not the government.”

The recipients had to undertake an interview process after the Foundation put out a call for applications in November and December 2014. 

“There were two parts to the scholarships, first was the money we raise, plus a foundation the Yass Rotary Club manage, which is the Glenlothian Foundation; money left from a rural estate towards educational purposes,” Mr Carmody said.

The scholarships are not just given to university students, but kids that are wishing to pursue a trade or do studies elsewhere.  

“Hopefully one day in the future they will return to the community, whether it be one of our doctors, nurses or plumbers, they may come home to use their skills here.” 

MP Angus Taylor was the special guest who presented the awards to the kids.  

Scholarship recipients that attended the night were; Kate Kelly, studying a Bachelor of Exercise Science in Wollongong; Rachel McLucas, studying Vet Science at Charles Sturt University; Lily Serafin, studying Medical Radiation Science at Charles Sturt University; Jessica Mercieca studying Communication in Journalism at the University of Canberra; Georgia Pettigrew, studying an Advanced Diploma of Interior Design at Canberra Institute of Technology; Joe Whiting, studying Bachelor Ag Science at Charles Sturt University, Craig Wilkinson, studying a Bachelor of Engineering at the University of Wollongong; Tom Schlunke studying Ag Science at Charles Sturt University; Rowan Phemister, studying a Bachelor of Music at the University of Sydney' Nicholas Whiting studying Horticulture (Production Nursery) at Canberra Institute of Technology; Alex Goode, studying to be a paramedic; Renee Pollack studying Primary Teaching at the Australian Catholic University; Ellen Hinch, in her fifth year studying Medicine at the University of NSW and Zackary Direen studying a Bachelor of Gaming and Programming at Canberra Institute of Technology.

Ros Whiteley from the Yass Music Club said she was proud of Rowan Phemister who has been a recipient of the Rag Holmes Scholarship for several years now. 

"He is brilliant and a very willing participant, performing and giving back to the community as well as supporting the scheme," she said. 

"All the kids are a credit to the town, family, themselves and the scholarships they have achieved." 

Major sponsors of the Foundation were the Landsdowne Foundation,  Glenlothian Foundation, Bain Family, Origin Foundation, Snowy Foundation, NSW Farmers Association, Bookham Agriculture, the Smithers family and Paul Simons.

The Yass District Educational Foundation and the Boorowa Foundation were the first two of these supporting foundations, today there are 43 foundations around Australia, that are loosely based on their local government areas.