Cromarty teenager scoops Secondary Pupil of the Year award at Highland Heroes
A CROMARTY teenager with a relentless dedication to youth work has scooped a prestigious accolade at this year’s Highland Heroes awards.
Beginning her time at the Cromarty Youth Cafe aged four, Orlagh has now gained over 1000 hours of volunteering work for her Saltire Award. Orlagh has been volunteering in a number of capacities for the last five years, including at the Cromarty Youth Café. She’s since been leading multi-sports sessions, arts and craft groups as well as intergenerational gatherings in her local community.
Last September, Orlagh scooped an accolade at the Highland Third Sector Interface Awards, and then went on to be awarded the prestigious Eric Lidell accolade from none other than Princess Anne, to celebrate her “remarkable” contributions to youth work.
Orlagh now has yet another award to add to her trophy cabinet — the Highland Heroes Secondary Pupil of the Year.
style="width:100%; height:100%; position:absolute; left:0px; top:0px; overflow:hidden; border:none;"
allowfullscreen
title="Dailymotion Video Player"
allow="web-share">
Speaking of her win, Orlagh said: “I’m definitely proud of myself, but still a bit in shock.
“What motivates me is the outcome from doing youth work. I started it because I wanted to be like the people above me…they were an inspiration. Now I see how much it helps people in my community, that’s what keeps me going. It’s like giving back to them rather than myself. I want to help make change.
“I didn’t think I was going to win the award… which is probably something everybody says! It was very emotional. I’ve got my mum, dad, my youth worker, cousin and aunty here — they play a big part in what I do, especially my parents who’ve always strived to get the best out of me.”
