County Times launch 2015 Youth Awards

Last year’s inaugural event was a resounding success, a rollercoaster ride packed with laughter, emotion, talent and tears. It was a truly memorable night as performers from local schools wowed the crowd and inspiring young people were recognised for their achievements. But we want this year to be even bigger and better. You can nominate a deserving person or group for any of our 15 categories, recognising excellence across sports, arts, the community, aspiration and achievement - and it couldn’t be easier to nominate. You can fill in our short online form or see the nomination form on page 85 of today’s County Times. The suggested age range for nominations is ten to 25, but all nominations will be considered. The younger members of our news team will present the awards at the Capitol Theatre on Tuesday June 23. Until then, we are determined to find some of the district’s outstanding youngsters and celebrate their achievements with them. The awards are backed by Collyer’s college as well as local schools Tanbridge House, Millais, Forest and the Weald. Gary Shipton, editor-in-chief of the County Times group, said: “The young people of this district do some amazing things to make the area so special. “That’s why we launched these awards last year - to recognise the huge contribution that so many of them make. “We were overwhelmed by the support for and the success of the first year’s event and are delighted to be organising it for a second year. “As ever, we are hugely appreciative of the backing of schools and colleges in the area, as well as business partners and the marvellous Capitol which hosts it.” A judging panel has been enlisted to make the difficult final decisions and find our winners. The panel is made up of general manager at The Capitol Nick Mowat, marketing manager of Places for People Leisure Suzanne Travers, journalist at the County Times and ETC magazine Jasmin Martin, project team leader at Horsham’s Y Centre Katie Bennett, and Maria Stack, pastoral youth leader and senior support worker at ARK. Help make a difference to someone you know - nominate your neighbour, friend or group, and be a part of an unforgettable local event. Follow the Youth Awards on Twitter @WSCT_Youth or like WSCT Youth Awards on Facebook for updates. Categories Sports Sport in the Community - This could be a volunteer, coach, referee or player who devotes so much of their time to help make a massive difference in their community with sport Individual Award - An athlete who has worked hardest, achieved most, or inspired others through their talent and dedication Team Award - Battling through adversity or showing determination, fair play or resilience - a group who work together and have extraordinary team spirit Arts Creative Arts - A sheer talent who is defined by their passion for creativity through painting, drawing or other arts Performing Arts - Musician? Dancer or dance group? Actor? This should be a competitive category so we need some outstanding nominations Media - Do you know someone who has compiled an outstanding video, written a tear-jerking poem or used their creativity to come up with an amazing piece of work? Community Volunteer - Young people can be exceptional volunteers, but who gives up their time for others, and has the best story to tell? Fundraiser - It’s not about who has raised the most, but instead invested all their drive into raising as much as they can for a cause they truly believe in Fundraising Group - A group who have clubbed together to be greater than the sum of their parts, with exceptional fundraising the result Aspiration Entrepreneur - Who is achieving incredible independence through an apprenticeship, as a business leader or inventor? Leadership - A future Prime Minister or chief executive? Someone who has shown maturity and passion to develop their skills as a budding leader Ambition - It’s not just about having an amazing goal, but showing signs of working to make a dream reality Achievement Courage - Someone defined by their courage in beating the odds, overcoming fears or struggles, or staying strong during a challenging time Inspiration - No one chooses to be a role model, but the Inspiration winner must be a shining example to those young and old through their actions or attitude Personal Achievement - A young person who has achieved beyond expectation and shown determination, hard work, or perseverance