Stars shine at online party with our fab finalists
stage the online ceremony, hosted by Animal Park and Place In The Sun presenter Jean Johansson.
Stars including Alesha Dixon, singer Max George and
River City’s Jordan Young and Leah MacRae joined the virtual party to congratulate the 39 fabulous finalists who got all glammed up for the occasion.
Sunday Mail columnist Jean said: “Jack and Alfie blew me away. Their simple gesture of kindness had a massive impact and sums up the spirit and resilience of Scotland’s wonderful young people during lockdown. They are a symbol of all that is great about our nation’s youth.
“I was both humbled and honoured to be a part of such a special celebration and was glad to be wearing my waterproof mascara because so many of the stories moved me to tears.”
Britain’s Got Talent judge Alesha said: “Congratulations to all the finalists – you are all winners in my eyes and are doing your country proud.”
Filled with stories of courage, determination and selflessness, the event honoured the nation’s most incredible youngsters.
Among those honoured was Brynn Hauxwell, who scooped the Young Hero award after completing a gruelling 1679-mile charity challenge in his wheelchair.
The 15-year-old pushed himself the equivalent of the length of Shetland’s rugged coastline – raising £8000 for Ability Shetland.
Brynn said: “The charity has been so good to me and I wanted to give something back.”
All dressed up in ballgowns and kilts, the Ullapool Sea Savers, who triumphed in the
Environment category, celebrated with a socially distanced garden party.
Paralympic gold medallist Kayleigh Haggo, 22, who leads a sports project for kids with disabilities, was this year’s Sports winner, while RuPaul’s Drag Race UK stars Lawrence Chaney, 23, and Ellie Diamond, 22, claimed victory in the Entertainment category.
Jean was visibly moved by Enhancing Education winner Yehya Al Deiri, 21, who came to Scotland from Syria and volunteers as a translator for his community.
The Young Covid Volunteers – NHS Lothian were named Volunteering champions after devoting more than 17,000 hours to helping patients.
Therapy dog Bella also made a surprise appearance when teenagers Callum Christie and Logan Fenton, who raised money to fund her, picked up the Health & Wellbeing gong. Sunday Mail editor Lorna Hughes said: “It is a privilege to once again be championing young people from across the country, who every day, despite huge adversity, are making positive changes for themselves and others. Each and every one is inspiring, driven, caring and fearless.
“Overall winners Jack and Alfie epitomise everything that is good about this country and are a symbol of the community spirit shown by young people throughout the pandemic.”
Louise Macdonald, chief executive of Young Scot, said: “Congratulations to our incredible winners and finalists. The young people of Scotland never cease to impress me.”