New chair announced as Christian youth organisation hosts its first ever annual awards dinner
YMCA Scotland has hosted its first ever annual awards dinner to celebrate the successes of its members.
Young people, volunteers, board members and staff from the Christian youth organisation were recognised for their outstanding commitment and support in 12 award categories.
The biggest winner on the night was Jordan Murray who took home two titles and was runner-up in two others.
Jordan, who is a youth leader at the charity Ypeople, which provides support to vulnerable groups, homeless help and youth services, was named Young Leader of the year in the 18-25 year-old bracket and the recipient of the John D Knox Youth Achievement Award for 14-25 year olds.
I never expected to be so successful, and the whole experience was exciting and humbling
Jordan Murray
Of his night he said: “I'm so honoured. I never expected to be so successful, and the whole experience was exciting and humbling.
“YMCA Scotland has given testament to the fact that passion, enthusiasm and hard work are rewarded in some way or another.”
On the night Jamie Lockhart was announced as YMCA Scotland’s new chairman.
Lockhart, who at 24 is the organisation’s youngest ever to fill the role, replaces Mike Will who has stepped from the role after eight years to concentrate on his new role as president of YMCA Europe.
Of his appointment, Lockhart, who has been involved with YMCA for five years and served on the executive committee of YMCA Scotland for three, said: “I am thrilled and honoured to have been elected as chair of YMCA Scotland.
“Throughout the past five years, I have been involved with YMCA at all levels from local to international, finding YMCA to be a champion of youth empowerment.
“My election highlights the organisations commitment to youth empowerment.”
World YMCA president, Peter Posner OBE, presented winners with their awards.
All the winners
Young Volunteer: Sean MacIvor, Tain & District YMCA
Young Leader (14-17): Jordan Wilson, Tain & District YMCA
Young Leader (18-25): Jordan Murray, Ypeople
Young Trustee: Sarah Turner, Aberdeen YMCA
Inspirational Young Person: Courtney Graham, Cupar YMCA-YWCA and Stephanie Wagner, Perth & District YMCA
Volunteer of the Year: Chris Bousfield, Tain & District YMCA
Trustee of the Year:Bob Copleton, Paisley YMCA
Mentor of the Year: Nathalie Nogues, YMCA Edinburgh
Youth Worker (p/t) of the Year:Nicole Jackson, Bellshill & Mossend YMCA
Youth Worker (f/t) of the Year:Graham Nutt, Tain & District YMCA
Impact Award: Living Balance Perth & District YMCA
John D Knox Youth Achievement Award:Jordan Murray, Ypeople
Sir George Williams Medal for outstanding and distinguished service for over 20 years to the YMCA:Tom McPherson, Bellshill & Mossend YMCA; Stewart McCrae, Cumbernauld YMCA-YWCA; Peter Robertson, Dumfries YMCA; Eleanor Campbell, Cumbernauld YMCA-YWCA.
Pictured above: Awards presentation team Jamie Lockhart, chair YMCA Scotland; Peter Posner OBE president World YMCA; and Matthew Dellaquaglia, chair Youth Voice. Photographs courtesy of Andrew Downie at A D Zyne.
