THE deadline for nominations for the Westbury Young People Awards has been extended to Friday 15th October.
“On reflection, the previous deadline of Friday 17th September probably didn’t give schools enough time to settle into the new academic year before thinking about and making their nominations,” said Wiltshire Council’s community engagement manager Graeme Morrison. “And while we have had numerous strong applications in most categories, we feel it is fair to give this extension.
“However, this will be the last extension because we need time to shortlist and plan the event before awards themselves in mid-November, so make sure you get you nominations in as soon as possible!”
The Westbury Community Area Board and Matravers School will be hosting the Westbury Young People Awards, on Wednesday 17th November.
The popular event did not go ahead in 2020 due the pandemic but people are now being encouraged to submit nominations for young people that they feel have deserved recognition over the past two years.
Dr Riding, headteacher at Matravers School said, “This event is a wonderful example of the strength of character and talent that the young people of Westbury and the surrounding areas have. Every year, their achievements and hard-work rightly shine through in this amazing event.”
Shortlisted nominees will be invited to the event to find out who the winners are in 11 categories, including two which are being awarded for the first time.
The Young Environmental Champion Award was included in nominations for last year’s event following a suggestion from Westbury Leigh School pupils at an environmental themed Area Board meeting.
The newest addition to the categories is the Covid-19 Local Hero Award which is to recognise young people who have contributed to their local community during the pandemic.
Westbury Area Board chair, cllr Suzanne Wickham, said “We are really looking forward to hosting this event again in 2021. The last year has been testing for everyone and it is so important to recognise the good things that the young people in our community do.”
Cllr Carole King who is the Area Board’s lead councillor for the Local Youth Network said, “This is one of the highlights of the year in Westbury. The event is always very popular, so make sure you get your nominations in as soon as possible. Anyone can nominate an individual or group – a teacher, a coach, a group leader, or even a parent, family member or friend of a young person.”
Nominees must be 19 years old or younger or up to age 25 if they have special educational needs or a disability, and must either live or go to school or college in the Westbury Community Area.
To nominate a young person that think deserves to be recognised, please go to www.youngwestbury. org.uk and click on “make a nomination”.
