Teen spirit...

9:54am Thursday 8th May 2008

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SHE has expertly juggled her school studies while helping adults with learning disabilities and now she has been nominated for a York Community Pride award.

Sophie Myers, 16, has been put forward for the Spirit Of Youth award because of her volunteering efforts over the past two years.

The teenager, from Holgate, York, travels weekly into Selby to help out at the Monday Clu', based at Selby Day Centre, which runs activities and projects for adults with learning disabilities. She originally began work there as part her Duke of Edinburgh Award. However, she enjoyed her time there so much that she continued working there.

Despite studying for her GCSEs at Millthorpe School, York, the 16-year-old juggles her studies so she can help provide support and weekly entertainment at the club. She helps out by organising different activities throughout the year which the adults can get involved with.

Proud grandma Rita Lowe, of Dringhouses, York, has nominated the teenager for this year's Community Pride Awards. Mrs Lowe said Sophie's caring disposition should be recognised with an award.

She said: "For the last two and a half years Sophie has been helping at the Monday Club for adults with learning disabilities. Despite studying hard for her GCSEs and other school commitments Sophie gives up every Monday evening to travel to Selby to provide support and weekly entertainment for the 40-plus clients who attend.

"Sophie loves the time she spends with the Monday Club and has taken responsibility for organising different activities throughout the year. Everyone looks forward to these events and the amount of thought and effort Sophie puts into the preparation makes every activity memorable.

"Sophie is a genuine and caring girl who provides so much and enjoyment and pleasure for others I really feel that she deserves this award." The Press still needs more nominees for the York Community Pride awards, which are run jointly by the newspaper and City of York Council.

If you know of someone who you think has made an outstanding contribution to the community, The Press would love to hear from you.

There are three finalists in each of the 14 categories and the winners will be announced in a ceremony later this year.

To nominate someone, simply fill in the coupon (link below).

Send in a non-returnable picture of your nominee if you can, along with a supporting statement setting out why your nominee deserves an award. Send nominations to Community Pride Awards, Paula Homer, The Press, 76-86 Walmgate, York, YO1 9YN. Alternatively, you can email us at editor@thepress.co.uk