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Home About ERNHW Awards Young Citizen of the Year Award 2008
Young Citizen of the Year Award 2008 Print E-mail

THE results are in and the winner of our Young Citizen competition is… Leeanne McWilliams...

Young Citizen of the Year

 

 

 

 

 

 

Courtesy of The Extra and Jennifer Brophy.

The Barrhead youngster (12) was thrilled and stunned when competition judges arrived at her school – St Luke’s high – to deliver her trophy and certificate on Tuesday afternoon.

Leeanne was picked from a shortlist of five by panel members Henry Rankin of East Ren neighbourhood watch association, Eleanor Thompson of East Ren council, Extra reporter Jennifer Brophy and police superintendent Stewart Daniels. (Leeanne pictured with Superintendent Stewart Daniels, Jennifer Brophy, Henry Rankin (NHW Vice Chair) and Simon Cunningham (NHW Secretary)

The youngster was presented with a beautiful glass trophy, provided by the neighbourhood watch, and will also receive £100 in vouchers for a shop of her choice.

The prize is recognition for all her hard work caring for mum Elizabeth and dad Joseph, who both suffer from ill health.

Leeanne, who has been a member of the local Young Carers group since she was just eight-years-old, told The Extra:

“The trophy is beautiful. I’m, going to put it in a unit in my bedroom. “I’m excited about winning and my parents are both proud. They rang all the family to tell them.

“My brother Jamie (16) wouldn’t stop hugging me when he heard the news.”

Superintendent Daniels said: “The standard of applicant was very high but Leeanne stood out from the very beginning.

“As the competition progressed every report we heard about her got better and better.”

Fellow judge Henry Rankin added: “Leeanne is so young and has given up a part of her childhood to care for others.

“It is satisfying to see someone so deserving receive our award.”

Leeanne was nominated by her pupil support teacher Chris Smith. He was delighted with her triumph, saying:

“She has done incredibly well at school while juggling a huge commitment at home. It’s quite outstanding.”

Anna Leiper, Leeanne’s Young Carers liaison officer, commented: “Leeanne is a lovely wee girl who never complains.

“She always puts her mum’s needs before her own and really deserves this award. She copes amazingly under difficult circumstances.”

St Luke’s headteacher Patricia Scott added: “I’m absolutely delighted for Leeanne.

“She is a shining example to others at the school and it’s great that she’s getting this recognition.”

Young Citizen of the Year Award 2009



After the resounding success of this competition it has been decided that this will become an annual event for us....

Much is said and written about youth in a negative perspective, but we all know there are many terrific youngsters in our society who never seem to get recognition for the work they do.

We are hopeful that this annual award will assist to redress the balance.

If any group, organisation or company would wish to become involved with this award, please drop us an email.