The winners have been announced for The Midlothian’s Young People Awards (MYPA) 2023 at a special ceremony held in the Chapel.
These awards are open to young people living, working or studying in Midlothian whose contribution to their local community deserves to be recognised.
There are five categories of awards which are organised by Midlothian Council in conjunction with the Lord-Lieutenant of Midlothian. They are also supported by Midlothian Young Ambassadors who are selected for their commitment and ability as young leaders or volunteers.
- The Caring and Volunteering Award recognises young people who volunteer in caring activities within Midlothian.
- The Sport and Physical Activity Award recognises success and outstanding improvement and achievement in a sport for a particular team of individuals or for one individual.
- The Arts and Culture Award recognises outstanding achievement in performance, visual arts, music, singing, dance, creative arts and media.
- The Achievement in Learning Award recognises young people who are involved in educational activities at school, college, youth work, and training etc, who demonstrate a commitment in developing skills for work and care about the future of young people in Midlothian.
- The Local Community Award recognises the role young people play in their local community which make a real difference locally, to a village, town or local area.
- The Midlothian Award goes to a young person who is chosen from all the nominations and recognises their outstanding contribution to Midlothian as a whole.
Winners were selected by a panel of local young participants of the Duke of Edinburgh scheme.
Midlothian Council Chief, Executive Grace Vickers, welcomed everyone to the event which was hosted by Group Service Manager Annette Lang. Prizes were presented by Midlothian Provost, Cllr Debbi McCall and Midlothian’s Lord-Lieutenant, Lt Col Richard Callander.
Each Winner and Runner up received a certificate and a trophy and a charitable donation was also made on their behalf to a charity of their choice. The winners in each of the five categories are :
MYPA Winners 2023
- Caring & Volunteering – Winner: Arran McManus / Runner up: Charlotte Hinton
- Local Community – Winner: Lexie Paterson / Runner up: One Youth
- Sport & Physical Activity – Winner: Penicuik Athletic Youth Football Club under 18 girls team / Runner up: Ewan Miller
- Arts & Culture – Winner: Alexander Thompson / Runner up: The Amazing Brains
- Achievement in Learning – Winner: Keiran Williamson / Runner up: Levi Kilmurry
- Midlothian Award – Samantha Gough
Commenting on the young people’s achievements Midlothian’s Lord-Lieutenant, Lt Col Richard Callander said:
“This year’s awards have again highlighted some exceptional young people in Midlothian and given us the chance to recognise their achievements and their contributions to life across the area. I would thank everyone who has nominated a young person this year and, of course, congratulate all the winners and runners up. It is heartening and often humbling, to know that we have such great young people around us and all such worthy winners of Midlothian’s Young People Awards.”
Midlothian Provost, Cllr Debbi McCall said:
“Congratulations to all the winners at the Midlothian Young People Awards 2023 and a big thank you to everyone who took the time to make a nomination. These awards provide a special opportunity to celebrate our young people’s passion, determination and commitment. All the winners should be very proud of their achievements. They are an asset to their local communities.”
Photo – Lee Live: Photographer