A COUNTY Donegal student has been honoured for volunteer service at the Pramerica Spirit of Community Awards gala.
In recognition of the exemplary work he carries out in his local community, Adrian McMyler, from Buncrana, has been honoured at the 2016 Pramerica Spirit of Community Awards gala awards’ ceremony, held at Lough Eske Castle Hotel & Spa, Donegal. He also received personal congratulations from guest presenter, Bressie –
Adrian was one of only two ‘highly commended’ finalists in the Awards’ junior category. As a 2016 finalist, he also received €500 and a silver medallion, presented by multi-platinum selling songwriter, music producer and guest of honour, Niall Breslin (Bressie).
Adrian was selected for the honour from hundreds of youth volunteers from across the island of Ireland. He is a third year student from Scoil Mhuire Secondary School and is keen to take part in any volunteering situation that comes along. At his former primary school, Adrian implemented the ‘Friend for Life’ project, where sixth class students volunteer to take care of children with special needs during morning and lunch breaks.
Adrian’s volunteer activities in and away from school span from co-ordinating stalls at the school’s ‘Trade Fair Day’ to organising fashion shows to raise school funds. Additionally, Adrian organised a ‘Take a Chance Let’s Dance’ competition which raised over €5,000 for the school, co-ordinated a bake sale raising vital funds for Trocaire and Alzheimer’s and a quiz to raise money for a local nursing home unit. Over the past four years, he helped to care for his neighbour and is now helping to organise a pageant for Spanish students to raise money for special needs as well as making a CD for Alzheimer’s patients. He also plays an integral role in coaching and training underage teams in Buncrana GAA club and coaching soccer tots on a Saturday morning.
“Adrian volunteers at all times of the week and all year round and he is the epitome of goodness in our young people,” said Rosaleen Grant, school principal.
The only all-Ireland youth initiative of its kind, the Pramerica Spirit of Community Awards programme recognises young people for their motivation, service and impact on their local community across the island of Ireland.
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Bressie said, “Congratulations to all of the 20 finalists, who are inspiring individuals. It really is testament to their character to be nominated in the 2016 Pramerica Spirit of Community Awards, and I am honoured to be able to acknowledge the dedication and commitment they have shown in giving back to their communities.”
The programme is run in partnership with The National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals (NAPD), The General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland (GTCNI), with support from Scouting Ireland and Foróige.
“In this special 10th anniversary year, we’re honoured to showcase young people’s commitment to volunteerism and tonight’s 20 finalists are no exception,” said Caroline Faulkner, senior managing director, Pramerica Systems Ireland. “Their stories are truly remarkable especially Adrian’s – he has proved to be a wonderful role model and an inspiring individual.”
The two All-Ireland Youth Volunteers of the Year named on the evening were Cían O’Grady from Herbertstown in Co Limerick and Carla McErlean from Kilrea in Co Derry. Also highly commended in the junior category alongside Adrian McMyler was Annagh McBreen from Bailieborough in Co Cavan.
The selection committee that chose the Youth Volunteers of the Year were: Andrea McBride, Vice President – Systems, Pramerica Systems Ireland, Ivan Arbuthnot, Chairperson of GTCNI, Wendy Osborne, OBE and Chief Executive of Volunteer Now, Sean Campbell, CEO, Foróige, Nina Arwitz, Chief Executive of Volunteer Ireland, Clive Byrne, Director of NAPD and Kieran Cody, Scouting Ireland.
Learn more about the 2016 Pramerica Spirit of Community Awards on the Pramerica Spirit of Community Facebook page and Twitter feed @Pramerica_SOC, or visit www.pramerica.ie/spirit
Adrian McMyler receives his award
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