Recognition for 'enthusiastic' volunteers at Tain youth cafe
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Three youth volunteers in Tain were recognised for their "commitment" and "enthusiasm" at the AGM of the Tain & District Youth Cafe YMCA on Monday, November 7.
Joanie Whiteford, Lord Lieutenant of Ross & Cromarty, presented three separate awards on the day, recognising the outstanding contribution of the recipients.
A new award – the Baba Watt Volunteer of the Year award – was presented to youth cafe volunteer Alisha Urquhart.
The award was so named to memorialise Baba Watt, long-time former school secretary at Craighill Primary, who passed earlier this year.
After helping at the youth cafe's toddler group last year, Alisha came on board as an official volunteer and now assists with their weekly S1-S6 girls group.
Awards coordinator Kats Macleod said: "Alisha is a wonderful addition to this group and connects with our lovely bunch of amazing young ladies on many different levels.
"She brings so much to the girls group and she means so much to them all."
The Youth Volunteer of the Year award was presented to Kornelia Porozynska.
Described as one of the most enthusiastic youth volunteers at Tain YMCA, 11 year old Kornelia started out by assisting with the 'Lunch Club' during the Easter holidays.
Awards coordinator Kats Macleod said: "We’ve never come across such a hard worker for someone so young. She asked if she could come in again over the Summer holidays - how could we refuse?
"She came in and helped at our Friday Fun sessions and toddler group. In the process she completed a Dynamic Youth award - our youngest ever recipient of this Level 2 qualification.
"Kornelia is an absolute pleasure to have here in the youth cafe. Not only does she make friends with everyone she comes into contact with, adults, youth and children alike, but she has the ability to make everyone smile."
As well as completing her Dynamic Youth award, Kornelia has also completed two Hi 5 awards at the beginning of the year.
Ms Macleod added: "The world would definitely benefit from having more little Miss Kornelias in it and we all feel that the youth cafe definitely benefits from having this little ray of sunshine here helping us."
The Ozan Kaymak Memorial Award, now in its second year, was awarded to Danielle Ritchie.
Ms Macleod said: "Dani has been a valuable member of our youth committee since joining three years ago. During that time she has matured into a lovely young lady.
"She is very supportive and empathetic towards her fellow youth committee members and has been extremely encouraging towards our new S1s this year.
"Dani has worked incredibly hard this year and has completed not one but two Dynamic Youth awards, passed her Level 2 in Food Hygiene and is now in the process of starting her Bronze Youth Achievement award."
In addition to her studies, Danielle has amassed a total of 135 volunteer hours during the year and is due to be presented with her 200-hour Saltire awards certificate.
As a volunteer and a member of the youth committee, Dani has assisted with the youth cafe's Grab n' Go Lunches, Friday night discos, Friday 'Fun Days', P7 prom, Jubilee Tea and local Food Feastivals.
She also participated in the design and painting of the Marvel Mural and has volunteered for Tain and District Development Trust at their Community Markets.
Ms Macleod added: "We have seen Dani blossom and gain so much confidence. On behalf of your fellow youth committee family - many congratulations Dani and thank you for being such a fantastic friend and hard working role model to us all.
