The Arrowtown Autumn Festival Scholarship was established in 2021, to recognise and reward Year 13 Wakatipu High School students who have demonstrated involvement and participation in their extended community.

The 2023 Arrowtown Autumn Festival Community Scholarships were awarded to Ruby Dawson, Zali Vaivars and Zara McRae. 

Ruby Dawson is a keen mountain biker which also creates many events for her to volunteer at biking events but Ruby also helps with the marketing of Queenstown Gymnastics club, umpiring at Wakatipu Netball Club, baking for Good Bitches Baking, and tutoring year 9 students in English and Social Studies. As a member of the Community and Service Council she has organised many school fundraising and wellbeing events.

Zali Vaivars volunteering includes a youth leader for Girl Guides, the Mountain Bike Club, umpiring for Wakatipu Netball club, and assisting with a youth programme called INSPIRE which aims to boost body image and mental health of our youngsters, and a long list of organisations that have benefitted from her fundraising efforts through her role as Community and Service Prefect.

Zara McRae is an Arrowtown volunteering star. From her early days as a Mini Belle to coaching them for their performances, helping out at the Primary School fundraisers,volunteering in a leadership role at the Arrowtown Festival, and other events such as Arrowtown Choppers planting days, there aren’t many groups Zara hasn’t helped. It’s not just Arrowtown that has benefited from Zara’s support, as she also volunteers at ShowBiz Queenstown, and as front of house manager for school productions.