Accolade for Cameron
Livingston air Cadet Cameron Mceleney has been named as the CVQo Duke ofWestminster award winner for 2016 at a special House of Lords ceremony.
Cameron (18) , of 2535 (Livingston) squadron air Cadets, becomes the thirteenth winner of the prestigious CVQo Duke of Westminster award, which exists to reward selflessness and community spirit in youth group members across the uK.
as one of 10 national Finalists, he will also embark on a two-week educational expedition to south africa in July, learning more about the country’s history, volunteering at a local school and taking part in an environmental awareness course.
Cadet units were asked to nominate a deserving young person in December 2015 for the Duke of Westminster award competition, which seeks to recognise not only those who have achieved great things within their youth groups, but those who have given back to their local communities or overcome a personal challenge.
Cameron, from Livingston, was nominated due to his selfless attitude and volunteering work, particularly during a two-week trip to peru where he helped to build houses and construct a football pitch for the children there. these nominations were judged by CVQo and 27 were put through to the next stage - a four-day selection event in april in the Quantock Hills, somerset.
Following the selection event, the 10 national Finalists were notified they had won a place on the south africa expedition.
to help boost their CVs and employment credentials, every cadet at the selection event completed an Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) Level 3 qualification.
on winning the award, Cameron said:“I’m absolutely stunned and shaking a little bit - I couldn’t believe I’d won.
“We’ve formed such a great group here and everyone genuinely felt like a winner. We’re all going to south africa to make a difference and that’s absolutely fantastic too.”
guy Horridge, CVQo Chief executive, added:“Cameron represents everything the award exists to recognise, having displayed a selfless attitude, willingness to get stuck in and help his fellow cadets and showing real strength of character along the way. He is a fantastic winner and the embodiment of what CVQo is all about.”
I’m absolutely stunned and shaking a little bit . . . Cameron McEleney