Published on:
24
February 2020
The finalists to become Clackmannanshire Citizen and Young Citizen of the Year have been announced.
The finalists for Citizen of the Year, sponsored by the Lord Lieutenant's Trust are:
Stephen Jelfs has worked tirelessly in the community to raise awareness of the importance of installing automatic defibrillators.
David Russell has made amazing contributions to environmental conservation in the local area; over the last 12 years David has contributed 510 days to improving biodiversity and access in Clackmannanshire and across Central Scotland.
Shumela Ahmed is an advocate for care experienced individuals. Shumela has dedicated her time and experience to give those who have been through the care system a voice.
Louise Cannon takes part in many different community projects which includes being a volunteer at the local library.
Craig Miller has set up two community choirs and has successfully secured over £35,000 in funding for projects in Clackmannanshire.
Alexander Harvey is the current Citizen of the Year for his work transforming the school garden at Park Primary into a quiet and safe learning space for children, helping them access outdoor learning activities, as well as running gardening and chess clubs to help nurture young people’s interests and potential.
The finalists for the Young Citizen of the Year have also been announced:
Harvey Reid has organised collections for advent calendars and gifts at christmas and donated the received items to The Gate.
Paul Murphy and Daniel McKenzie run a breakfast club providing food and physical activities to many pupils. They are also heavily involved in schools fundraising efforts.
The S6 Cohort at Alva Academy has organised many charitable events throughout the year for various charities. The main stand out achievement from the school is their incredible success in helping to raise over a third of a million pounds for Macmillan Cancer Support.
Alison Bett and Daniel Briggs have visited a number of local care homes providing entertainment, games and activities for the residents.
Aidan Witty has taken part in various fundraising efforts for MacMillan Cancer Support including a flash mob, sponsored walk and a Christmas jumper stall. Aidan has also been heavily involved in setting up the schools newspaper.
Kayci Longmore has also taken part in various fundraising efforts for MacMillan Cancer Support including numerous bag packs at weekends, helping to run a charity dog walk and also shaving her head to raise awareness.
Archie Baxter and Thomas McGregor have gone busking with their bagpipes in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling and Tillicoultry to raise money for MacMillan Cancer Support.
Brodie Robertson has helped many primary pupils during their transition to secondary school. He has also helped recruit young people into the Duke of Edinburgh Scheme.
Caitlin Gillespie volunteers at a local Beaver club and also the Disability Youth Access Panel which aims to improve the lives of people living with various disabilities across the county.
Daisy Turner has mentored vulnerable pupils and sources opportunities in order that they feel valued and a part of the life of the school. Daisy also came up with the idea of collect, recycle and sell Christmas jumpers in order to raise money for MacMillan Cancer Support.
Katie Henry is an outstanding volunteer at Play Alloa. Katie has been volunteering with Play Alloa since August 2018 and in this time she has undertaken over 165 hours of volunteering work
Tony Syme is a volunteer at Connect Alloa where he provides fantastic administrative support as well as being a brilliant role model to some of the younger attendees.
Ben Johnson and Mia Mitchell created a campaign (Be More Donkey) that helped young people think about what makes a good role model (like donkey from Shrek).
Melissa Smith took part in a pupil led enquiry and developed an idea for teacher evaluations to create Snapshots - these allow pupils to evaluate lessons with a number of measures and the information is then used by teachers to reflect on and improve. Melissa has also been an important member of the schools Anti-Bullying Group.
Susie Lambert is a key member of the schools Anti Bullying Group, her commitment and contribution for the preparation and delivery of the groups events has been a huge part of their success. Susie is also Chairperson of the Youth Council and her commitment to this widens her contribution to the wider local community.
The Alloa Academy Anti Bullying Group have shown commitment and dedication to helping Alloa Academy move towards a place where bullying cannot thrive.
Katherine Martin is the current Young Citizen of the Year for her involvement in sporting, science and mental health events, running an after school badminton club, volunteering weekly at a local nursery and care home and volunteering at the 2017 Special Olympics.
The winners of the awards will be announced at a ceremony on 10th March.