Nominations open for Tendring Youth Awards
This year includes a category highlighting young people's efforts during the pandemic
Nominations are open for the fifth Tendring Youth Awards.
The annual celebration of young people's achievements was cancelled last year as a result of coronavirus, and this year's ceremony will take place in October.
As well as the usual categories involved, this year welcomes the addition of the Covid Champion to recognise young people for their efforts during the pandemic.
Due to the cancellation of 2020's event, organisers have decided to extend each category's age criteria by a year to ensure nobody misses out, with previous nominations also being carried over.
People are being encouraged to nominate inspirational young people across the district by the end of July.
Vice Chairman of Tendring Youth Awards, Will Lodge, said:
"There are some incredible people out there and that's what we've seen over the years. These will be the fifth awards, I've been involved in the last couple, it's phenomenal.
"First of all, reading the nominations that people put in and getting to meet those young people that are shortlisted at the events ceremony is really uplifting, I think. And it, kind of, restores your faith in humanity as a whole."
Will said the number of nominations submitted tends to increase each year and is expecting a "huge" rise again in 2021.
Karen O'Conner, Chairwoman of the awards, added:
"This year, given everything we have all been through, I am confident there will be a huge crop of nominations reflecting how hard young people have worked – whether that be in the Learning Achievement award for studying hard through two home school periods, or helping neighbours who have been shielding.
"However, we can only do that with your help – we can only recognise people you tell us about. So I would urge you to think about young people you know or work with, and nominate them – there’s no limit to the number of nominations you can make."
To nominate someone for a Tendring Youth Award and see the categories for 2021, visit the Tendring District Council's website.