A budding Waimate farmer has won a highly commended William Wallace Award.

Tyrone Gosling is one of 19 national winners in the awards which honour outstanding young people in care.

The awards recognise those who have overcome significant barriers and gone on to great achievements. They also contribute to helping the young person pursue their dreams of tertiary, vocational or leadership training.

Tyrone was honoured at a ceremony in Wellington at the weekend and received $3000 towards his education.

The 16-year-old is working on a farm where he lives with his caregivers and completes his school work via correspondence. He was nominated for the award by his case worker.

He recently completed a five-day taster course at Telford Farming Institute in Otago, showing his determination and commitment to his chosen career in farming. He intends using the award to pay for short courses in agriculture and farming, as well as purchasing farming equipment next year.

He thanked his caregivers, teacher and whanau.

The awards are named after William Wallace, who left a bequest to Child, Youth and Family.

Mr Wallace died in Australia in 1989. He intended that the funds from his estate would be used to nurture children and young people in care, and help them develop their potential.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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