Midlothian’s Young People Awards winners announced

Winners and runners up have been announced for The Midlothian’s Young People Awards (MYPA) 2021 at a special online ceremony.

These awards are open to young people living, working or studying in Midlothian whose contribution to their local community deserves to be recognised. There are five categories and the awards are organised by Midlothian Council in conjunction with the Lord-Lieutenant of Midlothian. They are also supported by Midlothian Young Ambassadors who are selected for their commitment and ability as young leaders or volunteers.

Winners received certificates and a trophy and runners up received a certificate. A charitable donation was also made on behalf of both winners and runners up to a charity of their choice.
Full list of winners of Midlothian’s Young People’s Awards 2021:

Caring and Volunteering Award

Winner: Ruan Valentine.
Ruan raised money for UNICEF through various fundraising efforts.

Runner up: Kellen Thompson
Kellen is a carer for his mum and helps with housework, gardening and looking after the family pet.

Local Community Award

Winner: Your Pace Not Mine – This project for care experienced young people works to support young people leaving care. The project has built a great sense of community and the young people have gone above and beyond to ensure their peers were not isolated or struggling during the pandemic.

Runner Up: Samantha Gough
Despite being registered blind Samantha has achieved 500 hours of volunteering with food donations.

Sport and Physical Activity Award

Winner: Xander Graham
Xander is a British Cycling race squad rider who has been racing from a very young age. He is a great role model for other young cyclists.

Runner Up: Lyall Rutherford
Lyall has been racing motor cross since he was six. In 2021 he became Scottish Auto champion and won the Thomas Brown Memorial Trophy in Cumbria.

The Arts and Culture Award

Winner: Ruby Stone
Ruby has been working with Artlink to devise, create and publish a book which highlights her passion for wildlife - “The book of miscreations”. Through this project Ruby taught herself how to use digital technology and has now become a proficient digital artist.

Runner Up: Dance Scotland (World cup Team)
This team are the first Midlothian based dance group to be selected to be part of Team Scotland and helped Scotland win third place.

Achievement in Learning Award

Winner: Charlie Millar
Charlie has taken on different educational activities to improve his literacy and numeracy. At school he has achieved qualifications in woodwork, cycle maintenance and completed a John Muir and Bronze Duke of Edinburgh award.

Runner Up: Thomas Rouse
Thomas has been involved in various learning opportunities. This includes a cooking club where he discovered a passion for cooking and he is also is one of the youngest in Midlothian to complete a Forest and Outdoor Learning level 2 award.

Midlothian Prize

The Midlothian Prize is chosen from all the nominations and awarded for recognition for an outstanding contribution to Midlothian as a whole.

Winner: The Amazing Brains Committee at Art Club
This is a group of dedicated 8 – 14 year olds who run a range of free creative activities for young people in the community. This includes Summer Art Workshops, nature art sessions, Halloween window decorations, street printing workshops, and online pottery. The Amazing Brains Committee are a great example of what is possible by working in a youth led way.

Inspired by winners and runners-up

Commenting on the young people’s achievements Midlothian’s Lord-Lieutenant, Lt Col Richard Callander said:
“Our young people have been among the hardest hit throughout the pandemic, but this year’s awards have provided a wonderful opportunity to celebrate their resilience, positive spirit and achievements, against all the odds. I have been hugely impressed and inspired by our winners and runners-up, who are all a credit to Midlothian, and I offer huge congratulations to them all.”

Heart-warming

Midlothian Provost, Cllr Peter Smaill said:
“Congratulations to all the winners and runners up at the Midlothian Young People Awards. They should be very proud of their achievements. It is heart-warming to see so many local young people recognised for their positive contributions to their communities. These awards are a great way to shine a spotlight on our amazing young people."

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