Volunteer Elaine is in the best of company
RATHMORE teenager Elaine Nagle is now in the top 20 young community activists in Ireland after winning The Pramerica Spirit of Community Award.
Elaine will now take part in an interview in March to see if she can make the final two contestants, who will then take part in an international competition later this year.
It’s a proud moment for Elaine and her family as she is the current chairperson of the juvenile sector Galvin of Rathmore Social Action Group.
She was recognised for her sterling volunteer work in such projects as the purchasing and development of the old presentation convent in Rathmore, which has been transformed into housing for the elderly.
Elaine is also very much involved with helping the elderly in her community on a weekly basis.
“She is a brilliant community activist for one so young,” said Jerh O’Donoghue, chairperson of Rathmore Social Action Group.
“She really has a feel for the work she is doing, and when they show this much commitment to their community at a young age, they will usually carry it into adult life,” he added.
The Pramerica Spirit of Community Awards programme recognises and rewards post-primary/ second-level students for volunteer work carried out in their communities, through an exciting initiative that provides recognition and generous financial rewards to the finalists.
The awards were launched on an All-Ireland basis in 2006, and the programme has honoured more than 2,000 outstanding volunteers from over 300 schools across Ireland during that time.
Among the prominent personalities who have participated in the programme are Bertie Ahern, John Hume, Caitriona Ruane, Mickey Harte, Declan Kidney, John Lonergan, David Coleman, Martin O’Neill, Brent Pope and Niall Breslin (Bressie).
The awards have received immense praise from educators, parents, elected officials and news media alike for communicating to young people the importance of volunteer service in their communities.
Elaine has been an active volunteer with the Social Action Group for the last five years.