Tain youth volunteer is named as first recipient of 'Ozan Kaymak Memorial' award
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Olivia Macleod of Tain has been named the first recipient of the Ozan Kaymak Memorial Award, having been selected by the youth committee of Tain & District Youth Cafe YMCA.
The award was created in the memory of Ozan Kaymak, a much loved and 'very caring' member of the youth committee who passed away last year.
The youth committee, which is made up of S1–S6 pupils from Tain Royal Academy, voted to nominate present committee member, Olivia (16), as the first recipient of the award.
A spokesperson said: "Olivia has been a valuable member of the youth committee since joining five years ago. During that time she has matured from a shy girl to a young lady who is very much admired by her fellow youth committee members."
"Her peers describe her as very kind and welcoming - not only at our weekly Committee Meetings but also when helping at various other drop-ins. She is friendly, helpful, a good listener who is always there for others, full of good ideas and very committed to the YMCA. She has also represented the young people at board meetings which is very daunting in itself.
"If there is any YMCA event or local event on that requires volunteers, Olivia is always there smiling and helping not only fellow members of the youth committee but also other organisations within our community.
"On behalf of your fellow youth committee family, we want to say many congratulations to Olivia and thank you for being the fantastic role model that you are to us all."
On receiving the award, Olivia said: "I feel so grateful to have been nominated by my peers to receive The Ozan Kaymak Memorial Award. I’m so honoured to have this award as Ozan was a very caring member of our youth committee. Thank you to everyone for all their support."
