Midlothian’s Young People Awards have been launched at Rosslyn Chapel, where the awards ceremony will take place in September.
Now in their third year, the Midlothian’s Young People Awards (MYPA) 2020 are now open for nominations in five categories. The awards are organised by Midlothian Council in conjunction with the Lord-Lieutenant of Midlothian and supported by Midlothian Young Ambassadors, selected for their commitment and ability as young leaders or volunteers.
The five award categories reflect the various positive contributions of young people to Midlothian. The categories are:
- Caring and Volunteering
- Local Community
- Sport and Physical Activity
- Arts and Culture
- Achievement in Learning
Nominations for each of the awards can be made by individuals, youth organisations, schools and colleges and employers. The judging panel consists of a young person and representatives in the community for each category. Nominees should be aged between 8-26 years old at the time of their nomination. The closing date for nominations is Friday 29 May 2020. Copies of the nomination forms will be available in Midlothian schools, libraries and leisure centres. Nominations can also be made online on the Midlothian Council website.
Winners will be announced at a special awards ceremony, hosted by Midlothian’s Lord-Lieutenant on Friday 4 September 2020 at Rosslyn Chapel. Each winner will receive a trophy, certificate and a cash prize to be gifted to a Midlothian community group or local charity of their choice.
In addition to the five category awards, there is also a sixth ‘Midlothian Prize’ award that is presented to the most outstanding young person from all the nominations. This award was won last year by Beeslack High School pupil Daisy Mabon. She won this award for her extensive work with the Beeslack Family Disabled Club despite also suffering from her own health problems. Daisy was recognised for her support of groups working with younger children and for being an excellent role model.
Daisy said: “I was delighted and surprised to win the Midlothian Prize last year. It was brilliant to see many worthy young volunteers being recognised for their amazing achievements. I continue to love volunteering and since receiving this award, I think it has helped raise awareness of volunteering opportunities in our community for young people like me and has inspired some of my friends to start volunteering too.”
Other 2019 winners were Esther Johnston who was awarded the Caring and Volunteering award, Isla Rose Mckenzie won the Local Community prize, Tilly Bee picked up the Sports and Physical Activity award, Chelsea Pinkman won the Achievement in Learning award and Sophie McDonald picked up the Arts and Culture Award.
Sir Robert Clerk Bt OBE, Lord-Lieutenant of Midlothian, said: “I am delighted that Midlothian’s Young People Awards, organised in partnership with Midlothian Council, are now into their third year. These awards are a great way to highlight, and celebrate, the very positive and inspiring contributions made to Midlothian life by our young people and so I would encourage everyone to nominate a local young person for their achievements in one of the categories.”
Councillor Jim Muirhead, Cabinet Member for Education and Children’s Services, said: “The Midlothian’s Young People Awards were created to showcase the wonderful achievements of young people in Midlothian. There are so many inspirational young people living, working or studying in the area. I would encourage friends, families, educational establishments and other groups working with young people to nominate anyone who they feel deserves to be acknowledged.”
Midlothian’s Young People Awards are sponsored by Cala Homes, McTaggart Scott, Dalkeith Country Park, Hunters Coaches, the Access Group and Procure Wizard.
Pictured at Rosslyn Chapel are Councillor Jim Muirhead, Daisy Mabon and Sir Robert Clerk