2022 marks the 15th anniversary of the Pride of Somerset Youth Awards. The awards are organised by BBC Radio Somerset, the Rotary Club of Taunton and Somerset Day and hosted by Bridgwater & Taunton College with the support of the Avon and Somerset Constabulary, YMCA Dulverton Group and Young Somerset.
They celebrate young people across Somerset who have done something in the last 12 months to make their family, friends or community proud.
From achievements in the arts, sport, music or academically to caring for others and the environment, to overcoming personal adversity and hardship and making difference to their community through charitable work, the awards recognise ANY young people in the county who display tremendous generosity, courage, talent and passion. There are no specific categories for the awards.
Previous winners include the England cricket Jos Buttler, British Gymnast Laura Gallagher and Paris Paralympic-hopeful wheelchair athlete Jamie Edwards.
The Pride of Somerset Youth Awards are sponsored by Avon and Somerset Police; Young Somerset and The Rotary Club of Taunton.
This year’s ceremony will take place at the Conference Centre at Bridgwater & Taunton College in Taunton on Somerset Day, 11th May, and will be hosted by BBC Radio Somerset presenters Claire Carter and Simon Parkin.
Claire says: “The Pride of Somerset Youth Awards evening is a highlight in my calendar. Every year we attract an amazing selection of very special young people from across the County. Each nominee is a hero in their own right and it is a privilege to be able to shine a light on their outstanding achievement. The triumph over adversity shown by some of the winners is humbling and it means so much to them and their families to be acknowledged in this way. I’m so excited about being part of it all as a host again this year!”
Applications open on Saturday 12th February 2022 and all entries must be submitted by Friday 8th April. Nominees must live in Somerset and be under the age of 20 on 10th May 2022.
To nominate a young person please send their full name, age, school/college (where appropriate), postal address, and contact phone number(s), along with a maximum of 200 words detailing their accomplishments to explain why they deserve a Pride of Somerset Youth Award. Please include your own name and contact details. Applications can be sent to somerset@bbc.co.uk putting PoSYA in the subject heading. Nominations may also be posted to BBC Radio Somerset; Winchester House; Deane Gate Avenue; Taunton; TA1 2UH.
BBC Radio Somerset will be broadcasting interviews with some of the winners after the awards evening. For additional information, visit www.tauntonrotary.com or www.somersetday.com.