Shout Out awards recognise Kapiti youth

The outstanding talent, commitment and generosity of young people in Kāpiti were recognised at last night’s Shout Out Youth Awards held in the Council Chambers.  

Mayor Ross Church presented awards to the winners in nine wide-ranging categories open to 12 – 24 year olds.

“This is the third year of the Shout Out awards and I want to acknowledge the important role of the Youth Council in continuing to develop and promote them.

“I particularly like that these awards go beyond looking at pure skill and also consider personality and character – such as the Strive award that goes to someone who has overcome barriers in their life and gone on to succeed,” said Mayor Church.

“This fabulous group of young people are making a difference in their own lives, their schools, workplaces and in the wider community as leaders, organisers, mentors and role models.”

This year’s award winners were:

• Kaitaiki (environment & sustainability) - Ruby Durrant-Bush
• Innovate (youth-led project and innovation) - Radio Random, comprising primary school students Jack Mitchell, Joshua Tristram, Taylor Quy and Aden O’Connor
• Inspire (leadership) - Griffin Cherill
• Connected (community service) - Brittany Calder
• Strive (overcoming significant barriers) - Jerome Warren
• Professional (entrepreneur/business) - Marcus Ebbett
• Star (positive work place attitude) - Awhina Nightingale
• Apprentice (apprentice) - Jason Gamble
• Expression (arts, music & culture) - Salem Foxx

In addition there were two highly commended recipients, Alana Fraser in the Inspire and Connected categories; and joint nominees Alyssa Kata and Alice Young, in the Innovate and Inspire categories.