The Māori Sports Awards scholarship has come at the perfect time for Clayton Strickland. At age 17, he plans to go to Manukau Institute of Technology next year to study a Bachelor of Nursing.
Strickland, from Te Whakatōhea, is heavily involved in touch rugby and league, his efforts in these sports have seen him awarded with $5000.
Strickland just finished his last high school exam today, and is now focussing on more exciting things.
Strickland has been named as one of two recipients of the Māori Sports Awards Scholarship, worth $5000.
He's involved in touch and rugby league in his community, but never would have guessed he would have been granted this scholarship.
The funding will help with his future, as he plans to study a Bachelor of Nursing next year.
Strickland will receive his scholarship at the end of this month.