CELEBRATING the achievements and commitments of Fermanagh's inspiring youth, the Rotary Club of Enniskillen has hosted Young Citizen Awards, announcing the winners of the awards at a virtual ceremony via Zoom online meetings on Monday (May 10).

The awards are held to showcase and celebrate the positive citizenship and important responsibilities assumed by many young people under the age of 25.

Nikki Kernaghan (17) was announced as the winner of the Young Sporting Hero award, and Mark West (11) as the winner of the Young Citizen award.

The current Girl's Captain of Enniskillen Royal Boat Club, Nikki has overcome grief to focus on training, competing and winning in rowing. She is a skilled team member, developing her leadership skills in helping younger members and coaches alike.

Following her nomination for the award, Nikki was interviewed by a panel of four Rotarians – Catherine Robinson, Hugh Mills, Jenny McCrea, and Rotary President, Heather Ellis.

"I hadn't realised how much I'd achieved until I said it in the interview," she told The Impartial Reporter.

Outlining some of her achievements in rowing, Nikki, who has been rowing for five years and trains 11 times a week, said: "My biggest achievement, so far, is I have the J16 coxed four at the National Schools Regatta at Eton Dorney in England, and then I have a course record on that course for that."

Other young people who were nominated for the Young Sporting Hero category included Ben Thompson (21) for his achievements in disability sports, where he has competed at Northern Ireland level in wheelchair basketball and powerchair football; William Graham (24), who promotes and participates in Paralympic sports, Riding For Disabled and Special Olympics; and Leanne Howe (21), a talented cheerleading coach, assisting other young girls and coaches.

Young Citizen award winner Mark is autistic and visually impaired. He has developed his skills in computer technology, giving immeasurable assistance to his fellow pupils and teachers at Jones Memorial PS alike.

A Digital Role Leader, and Peace4 Project participant, he also develops his social skills so that he can better relate to others, from the First Minister through to his peers.

On receiving the award, Mark said: "It was brilliant. It’s made [me] so happy. It must have been difficult to choose the winner.”

Mark was nominated by Mrs. Isherwood, the Principal of Jones Memorial PS.

She said: “Mark first came to our attention when he sought admission to our ASD class, having high-functional Autism in Primary 1.

"During his time in our ASD class, we discovered he had a keen interest in ICT, and as per most autistic children, this became his ‘escape’ from reality.

"He developed a great knowledge and talent for quickly acquiring skills to access new programs, software and so on.

"He is an amazing boy and we wish him the very best on his transition to secondary school. The staff and fellow pupils will miss out on the opportunity to seek his help,” added Mrs. Isherwood.

Other young people nominated for the Young Citizen award category included Meabh Makin (18), a spokesperson for young people, with cross-community involvement in mind; Emma Bullock (12), a young carer who assists her parents caring for her brother and helping run their activity farm for adults with special needs; and Laura McCaffrey (16), a young carer who assists her mother in the care of her dependant brothers and grandparents.

Others included Abigail Rice (15), a volunteer leader with Fermanagh School of Music and Performing Arts; Chloe McCaffrey (15), a volunteer leader with Fermanagh School of Music and Performing Arts; and Sophia Williams (15), who maintained community parish spirit by organising Zoom online Sunday schools and other events during lockdown.

Finally, others included Leona McDermott (25), a classroom assistant at a special needs school who supports the vulnerable and is a positive role model in her community; and LAYTHA, comprising Niamh Carney and Philana Nolan, young musicians who have engaged with the community throughout the pandemic, fundraising for Fermanagh Women’s Aid and creating innovative online events.

The awards were sponsored by William McFarland of Eadie McFarland and Co., Dessie Dolan of Loughside Garages, Malcolm Sloan from Sloan's Shoes, Gerry McNamee of Carzone, and one other person who wishes to remain anonymous.

Youth Services Chair at Rotary, Catherine Robinson, organised this year's awards. Speaking to this newspaper, she said: "It was the first time in several years that Enniskillen Rotary Club had run the awards.

"We were delighted to have had so many young people nominated for their good work and commitment to helping others in many ways.

"We hope that more people will be aware of this for next year and reward and recognise young people for their achievements," she added.