Search on for Sid Valley Young Citizen of the Year

Sid Valley Rotary Club and Sidmouth Herald to recognise achievements of community’s young people

THE search is once again on to find a young person worthy of the title Sid Valley Young Citizen of the Year 2010.

It is a year since the Sidmouth Herald and The Sid Valley Rotary Club teamed up to launch this new award to recognise and reward the achievements of young people.

Last year Mike Hilliar, a Sidmouth College student aged 16 at the time, received the award from Olympic medallist horsewoman Mary King in recognition of the work he has done for charity.

Now we need Herald readers to nominate young people who have made an outstanding contribution to the life of the community

They may have overcome a serious disability in helping others, such as a long-term carer or provider for a parents or sibling, or maybe they have given outstanding service for the benefit of a school, club or charity.

Sid Valley Press Officer, John Rush said, “We are looking for nominees, who reside in the Sid Valley Area, in two age categories; up to 14 years old and aged 14 to 21. We would particularly welcome nominations from the younger age group, who were not particularly well represented last year.”

To encourage nominations, the club’s service projects committee chairman Rotarian Mark Williams, will visit as many schools as he can to explain about the award and give out nomination forms.

Nominations must be made using these official forms (also found in the Sidmouth Herald) and must be received no later than Friday, October 22, 2010.

Shortlisted nominees will be invited to an awards ceremony to be held at East Devon District’s Offices at the Knowle in November.

The Herald’s acting editor Steve Hutchings, said: “We were delighted with Mike’s achievements and hope that our second year of promoting Sid Valley Young Citizen of the Year will find some equally worthy young people to claim the title, both for those under 14 and those aged 14 to 21.

“The Herald frequently runs articles highlighting the achievements made by young people, either for charity or for their own community, so there should be plenty out there who are eligible for the title.

“We are appealing to parents, friends, teachers and youth leaders that know of remarkable contributions made by young individuals, to nominate them so that we can publicly celebrate their achievements.”

Remember, there are two age categories, so this award is open to primary-age children as well as those of secondary school age and older.