Pride of Guernsey: 'Our young people exceed expectations'

Jane St Pier has become the latest person to support the Guernsey Press Pride of Guernsey Awards and is, in particular, calling on islanders to get their nominations in for the Young Achiever of the Year Award and the Overcoming Adversity Award.

'As chair of the Youth Commission for Guernsey and Alderney, I am delighted to endorse the Pride of Guernsey Young Achiever of the Year Award,' she said.

'The young people of the Bailiwick regularly exceed their, and our, expectations by their achievements – be it in sports, academic interests or the creative arts.

'In addition many of them show dedication to their community by volunteering, or supporting friends or family members in ways that are vital but may largely go unacknowledged.

'Some young people experience normalities that are perhaps not those which we would all choose – and their resilience is to be applauded.

'Young people are 100% of our islands' future and we fail to support, nurture and champion them at our peril.

'This particular award is a tremendous way of championing them.'

She urged everyone to consider the young people that they know and to think about making a nomination.

'It may be a young person who may not be quite the most elite in their particular field, but whose aspiration, tenacity and commitment is to be applauded and championed by us all,' she added.

'Our sincere congratulations to all those nominated.'

Sponsored by Butterfield, the Young Achiever of the Year Award is aimed at those who deserve a special pat on the back, whether it be due to their achievements in their studies or in a hobby, or a talent in sport or the arts.

These youngsters will be hardworking and committed yet their achievements may not fit into more elite awards criteria, despite them being something of which we should all be rightly proud. Aged up to and including 17, they represent the community's promise and deserve their time in the spotlight.

The Overcoming Adversity Award, sponsored by the Guernsey College of Further of Education, is aimed at islanders young or old who are faced with challenges that can seem insurmountable, whether they be emotional or physical, mental or social.

This award aims to celebrate their achievement of 'the impossible' and how in overcoming their adversity they offer hope and inspiration to others.

Nominate now who you think deserves the Young Achiever of the Year Award or the Overcoming Adversity Award.

We will feature all nominations and you could help them win a prize worth £1,000.

You can nominate online at www.prideofguernsey.com, where you will also find stories and details about our other Pride of Guernsey Awards.

Closing date is 30 June.

A public vote will begin in July.