The contribution of community-spirited youngsters in Dalbeattie was recognised at a special ceremony in the town.
Dozens of young people received certificates, medals and trophies for their voluntary work at the inaugural JP Young Volunteer Awards.
The well-attended event at the Maxwell Arms saw dozens of local children earn plaudits for their achievements on behalf of good causes in the community and further afield.
The awards were set up by local mum Louise Keegan in memory of her uncle and inspirational volunteer Jock Pickthall, who died on November 10 last year aged 64.
Mum-of-three Louise compered last Thursday night’s celebration, which also heard from Dalbeattie High School principal teacher Alistair Bremner, who praised the young people present and talked on the value of volunteering.
Welcoming everyone, Louise praised “all you amazing young volunteers” and explained how the awards came about.
She said: “I set up the JP Awards this year in memory of my uncle Jock who sadly passed away last year.
“I sat and thought about it, how do I keep his memory alive, what do I remember about him? Who was he?
“He was one of Dalbeattie’s biggest fans. He loved this community.
“And as a little girl, I never left his side.
“I was taken along to just about every community project going while he volunteered.
“If he could do somebody a favour, he would.
“If he believed he could make a difference, he would.
“And a lot of his voluntary work was with young people going through difficult times.
“Today is his birthday and I thought instead of being sad, I would celebrate you guys, because he would have been so proud of you all.”
JP young volunteer of the year went to Willow McAdam, aged just seven.
Louise said: “Willow is seven years old and volunteers not only with her dad at the Star football but is heavily involved with charity fundraisers in memory of her little sister Skye.
“Willow has shown strength and bravery throughout the last two years and has been through so much.
“To be going through all that and still giving to the community of grieving families like her own is why she is so worthy of this award.
“Volunteering is a selfless act – it’s about caring and believing in a cause.
“Dalbeattie is so proud of you, your mum and dad for being so amazing and raising awareness.
“We are all so grateful for the safe arrival of your baby brother.
“I hope you buy him a milky bar with your prize money.”
Senior volunteer award went to Civic Daze volunteer Blair Kalotka and the junior volunteer award to Abigail Houston, of Dalbeattie Star Girls football team.
The evening saw two leadership winners – Ben Henderson, who volunteers as a young leader at Dalbeattie Star and with youth workers, and Bethany Clark who, Louise said, had “great leadership skills and amazing ideas”.
Louise added: “Leadership is a huge part of volunteering – its about holding your hand out and helping somebody else reach their goals and not storming on ahead of the
group.
“It’s about saying I can help you – we can do this.”
Local girl Tamsin McWilliams received two medals, winning the most inspirational and top fundraiser categories.
Louise said: “Her volunteering and fundraising efforts were completely selfless.
“The hours she has put in to ensure that her friends achieve their goal has been outstanding.”
Brothers Ryan and Matthew Powell, who completed their 100 hours Saltire awards and volunteered with a broad spectrum of organisations within Dalbeattie and beyond, were awarded good Samaritan medals, while Zara Ireland received the above and beyond medal for her work with the school breakfast club.
“Her teachers are very proud of her and grateful for her dedication to the running of the club,” Louise said.
“The cost of living has been very hard on families, sometimes children go to school hungry, poverty is everywhere.
“Projects like this are so important for struggling families.”
And Millie Gowans received the most commendable award for her work with Dalbeattie Food Bank.
A total of 42 nominations were received for the awards, which will be held again next year.
