Two Clyde Valley pupils have made it through to the Scottish finals of the YouthLink Scotland 2013 Awards. YouthLink Scotland is the national body that promotes all youth activities anywhere within local communities. In its annual awards it looks to recognise the outstanding achievements of young people and those who lead youth activities the length and breadth of the country.

Lauren King of S6 is one of three national finalists in the category ‘Role Model/Mentor of the Year’. Lauren is a Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament. She has just launched her re-election campaign. She serves on many local and national groups forcibly representing the views of young people and is particular champion of those young people with any from of disability. Lauren has contributed to the formation of North Lanarkshire Council’s policies promoting youth involvement across the Council.

Ryan Burrell of fourth year is a finalist in the category ‘Volunteer of the Year’. Along with several other members of the school’s S4 SkillForce class, Ryan helped give a much-needed makeover to the Craigneuk Community Centre in Airdrie. Ryan was nominated for demonstrating outstanding leadership and setting a fine example to other team members.

Lauren and Ryan will anxiously wait to discover if they have triumphed in their respective categories at the YouthLink Gala Dinner to be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Glasgow in mid-March. Mr Sommerville will accompany the two students to this prestigious occasion.

Lauren King and Ryan Burrell, YouthLink Scotland finalists.