A last week’s meeting of Great Aycliffe Town Council, the Mayor of Great Aycliffe, Cllr John Clark, and the Chairman of Aycliffe Youth Council, Charlotte Kirton, had the great pleasure to present the first ever Aycliffe Young Citizen Awards, organized by the Youth Council, with support and funding from the Town Council.
Charlotte Kirton introduced the award ceremony with a brief outline of the work of the Youth Council before saying “I am proud to say that the nominations we had included very different, very remarkable young people. I can honestly say that the Youth Council were in awe of you, for your commitment, positive attitude and achievements to date. I personally would like to say that your nominations and your stories have absolutely inspired me.”
The winner of the award was Casey Topping, a remarkable young lady and an inspiration to all young people of the parish. Casey was nominated by her tutor at school, for not only achieving through adversity but for being a delightful, trustworthy individual. As well as her academic achievements of being a dedicated student working to a high standard and playing for the school’s netball team, Casey also helps to look after her two younger brothers, both of whom are disabled, and has supported her mum during difficult times.
Jake Mendelsohn also received a Commendation for his outstanding sporting achievements, fundraising efforts, commitment and values. Jake recently won silver medals in water polo for the Sedgefield 2000 team in the National Age Group Championships and at Northern League. In 2017 he received a British Citizen Youth Award for his contribution to charity. When a family friend and Newton Aycliffe resident Anna Swabey was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour, Jake wanted to help so he took part in The Great North Swim, a half mile swim in Lake Windermere to raise funds for Brain Tumour Research Charity.
The final award of the evening went to Charlotte Kirton herself, who received an Outstanding Achievement Award for her dedication and commitment to Aycliffe Youth Council. Charlotte always went above and beyond to volunteer in the community, driving forward a number of tasks to help deliver projects. She always worked to draw the best out of the youth councillors and encouraged the younger councillors, making sure everyone’s voice was heard at meetings. Charlotte was a truly amazing Youth Councillor and will be missed in the future.
