Published on:
15
February 2016
The finalists to become the Clackmannanshire Young Citizen of the Year have been announced. They are Chloe Burgess, Lucy Deas, Emily Downes, Calum Gullen, Taylor McMahon, Lindsay Millar, Avar Wilson and the members of the Police Scotland Youth Volunteers Alloa. The winner will be announced at a ceremony at the Speirs Centre on 3rd March.
Chloe Burgess is a member of the group of S6 pupils at Alva Academy which raised over £30,000 for Macmillan Cancer Research last September. As well as this work, Chloe organised a very successful Active Girls day for girls of all ages in school.
Lucy Deas is a volunteer with Hawkhill Community Centre. She is a youth mentor and leads homework and youth clubs to help support young people, and is an excellent role model for the young people she brings together.
Emily Downes has overcome obstacles to achieve her potential in gymnastics and achieve academic success. She is a National Dyslexia Ambassador and has had her work published nationally, and also volunteers at Alloa Gymnastics Club.
Calum Gullen volunteers at Rachel House hospice. He is also the Autism ambassador at Alva Alcademy, and supports many pupils in the ASN department, helping to make a real difference to the lives of many children.
Taylor Blyth has volunteered her time and energy to the Blythswood Shoe Box Appeal, helping to fill over 50 boxes of items which were distributed to men, women and children affected by the conflict in Ukraine.
Lindsay Millar helps children in her community by taking dance classes, volunteering for Riding for the Disabled, children's charities and helping out at local primary schools.
Avar Wilson has helped to set up an LGBT group at school, helping to provide a confident voice for young people to have the confidence to talk about issues which affect them in school and beyond.
The young people who are members of the Police Scotland Youth volunteers in Alloa have assisted at a number of local events including Alloa fireworks, Alva Games and Tillicoultry VC Memorial commemorations.
Provost Tina Murphy said: "The young people who have been nominated are working in many different ways to make life better for their communities. They are to be commended for giving up so much of their free time and I look forward to meeting them and announcing the winner".
Chloe Lemaitre was named Young Citizen of the Year last year for her work as a volunteer for Cross Skills Youth Services project which aims to bring young people and older adults within the community together to share skills and provide support for one another.