VIDEO: First ever Youth Awards launched by County Times

It’s time to shine the spotlight on the district’s young people and celebrate their achievements.

The awards, which will culminate in a swanky ceremony hosted by the young members of our news team, follows on from the success of the Community Awards - always an emotional roller-coaster of fun, laughter, tears and joy.

There are 16 categories to choose from, celebrating triumph across sports, arts, community and achievement.

The newsroom is now on a mission to find the district’s most outstanding youngsters and celebrate their success.

So help make a difference to someone you know - nominate your neighbour, friend, group or charity today, and be a part of the first ever County Times Youth Awards.

The suggested age range for nominations is ten to 25, but all nominations will be considered.

The awards are proudly associated with Horsham District Council and a ceremony will be held at The Capitol Theatre on Tuesday June 24.

Siobhan Denning, headteacher of The Forest School, where students have helped craft the award categories, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be involved with the first ever Horsham Youth Awards.

“This is a fabulous idea that will recognise the enormous contribution young people make to our community as well as recognising individuals who have made outstanding personal achievements.

“I know our pupils are very excited to have been involved in the development of the event and are looking forward to submitting entries once the final categories are announced.”

As well as school and college support, the initiative has won backing from Horsham police, where staff hope to see one of their own cadets recognised this summer.

Inspector Clare McKnight, of Horsham Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Horsham police whole heartedly support the County Times Youth Awards.

“It will provide an opportunity to celebrate the successes of the young people in our area and recognise the significant contribution they make on a daily basis to individuals and our community as a whole.”

Helena Croft, deputy leader at Horsham District Council, said there is so much to celebrate about our young people: “The young people that I would celebrate are not necessarily the ones who have excelled academically - even though we have a wealth of such high achievers to celebrate across the district - but young people who have overcome adversity. Those who are caring for a sick relative and doing that whilst continuing their studies.”

To find out more and for a chance to nominate buy today’s County Times (Thursday January 30), follow @WSCT_Youth on Twitter or visit our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/WSCTYouthAwards

Send your nominations to [email protected]

Categories

Sports

Sport in the Community - A volunteer, player or someone who has given up personal time to make a real difference in their community with sport

Coach/Referee - A coach who knows how to get the best from their team or a referee who gives up their time so that teams can play

Individual Award - Sportsman/woman who has worked hardest, achieved most, or inspired others

Team Award - the team who have worked together and shown determination, fair play, high achievement or resilience

Arts

Media - Do you know someone who has put together an outstanding video, written a tear-jerking poem or used their creativity to come up with an amazing piece of work?

Dance - A dancer or dance group which has given it their all

Music - From vocals to instrumental, solo to orchestral or something a bit off beat, who do you think should take home the Music Award?

Drama - Calling all thespians. What has been the production/monologue/performance of the year?

Community

Green award - Someone who has contributed to make the world a greener place

Young Carer - an award in recognition of a young person who devotes time to care for those most in need (family members or friends who need help whether on a short or long term basis)

Volunteer - the district is teeming with volunteers who make their community a better place, but who has the best story to tell?

Fundraising - It’s not about who has raised the most, but instead invested all their passion and drive into raising as much as they can for a cause they truly believe in

Achievement

Entrepreneur - A talented apprentice, aspiring business leader, inventor or new business start up

Courage - Do you know someone who has show true bravery or overcome their fears or shyness to realise an ambition or help others

Inspiration - The young person who has inspired others through their example, their actions or their attitude to life

Personal Achievement - A young person who has achieved beyond expectation and shown determination, hard work, or perseverance