The Horowhenua District Council hosted it’s annual Civic Honours Awards in December which includes the presentation of Youth Excellence Scholarships. 

These acknowledge excellence by young people aged between 12 and 24 in academic subjects, arts and culture, community service, and sport . The $250 scholarships primarily acknowledge excellence but also provides a small financial contribution and encourage local youth to strive to achieve their goals and dreams. This year the Council awarded 12 scholarships and two of the recipients were Manawatu College students.