Youth urged to emulate Downshire award recipient

COMMUNITY spirited youths in Carrick are invited to follow in the footsteps of a talented young Downshire student.

Angela Heddles was one of 20 finalists in the annual Pramerica Spirit of Community Awards earlier this year.

Then a Year 14 student, she was nominated by her school principal Jackie Stewart for her work as a volunteer at Carrickfergus Senior Gateway Club dealing with adults with a wide range of special needs.

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Angela received 500 Euro and an engraved silver medal at a gala awards dinner in March at Galway. She also met Ireland rugby coach Declan Kidney, who praised the young people’s contribution to their communities.

“It’s uplifting and inspiring to see our youth step forward and volunteer in so many great ways, especially when people are most in need, They bring hope and optimism for the future and do so smiling. Well done to you all,” said Mr Kidney.

Pramerica Spirit of Community is sponsored by Donegal-based Pramerica Systems Ireland in partnership with the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals (NAPD) and the General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland (GTCNI).

Post-primary students are invited to submit applications to their school principal by 26 October. Principals will review the applications and nominate one student in the junior category (for students up to age 16) and one student in the senior category (for students 17 to 19 years old). The deadline for the nominations is November 11.

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In February, a judging panel will select 20 finalists, while two All-Ireland Youth Volunteers of the Year will be selected at the awards dinner. Each will receive 1,000 Euro for a charity of their choice, a gold medallion and an all-expenses paid trip to the United States to attend the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards ceremony.

“Pramerica Spirit of Community honours youth volunteers who are actively involved in giving back to their communities,” said Henry McGarvey, managing director at Pramerica. “We celebrate their service and are inspired by their selflessness.”

The application form and further information about the Pramerica Spirit of Community Awards programme can be downloaded from www.pramerica.ie/spirit

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