TONIGHT is the night our inaugural Young Champions find out who is taking home the top prize in each category.
Since January, we have been searching for the best of Barnsley’s young people; anyone aged 21 and under who has stood out from the crowd and made a difference in one of 15 different categories.
Through the paper and online, people got in touch to make sure worthy candidates from across the borough had a chance at some recognition.
Last month saw the announcement of our shortlisted candidates.
And tonight’s ceremony, at the Holiday Inn in Dodworth, will narrow that list even further to just one winner from each section, after being chosen by our panel of judges.
We’ve featured many of the nominees over the last few weeks. Here’s a roundup of the remaining shortlisted nominees across our categories ahead of tonight’s big ceremony...
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Barnsley Academy - Young Entrepreneur
This team from Barnsley Academy put their business acumen to good use for charity Bluebell Wood.
Their successful milkshake business, which they ran within the Kendray secondary school, give all its profits to the children’s hospice charity.
It was the idea of year ten students Holly Bedford, Tawana Chapanduka and Ashleigh Jackson, who chose to support the charity after knowing families who have been supported by it.
They created their business as part of Barnsley Council’s I Know I Can initiative, and made a £67 profit on their very first event.
Megann Oakley - Young Adventurer
Eighteen-year-old Megann was nominated by her Barnsley College teacher Sarah Rawson for the Young Adventurer category of the awards.
Megann volunteers her time outside college to supporting her local scout group as an Assistant Scout Leader.
Sarah said: “She plans and takes part in various activities but still manages to keep on top of her college work. Megann has overcome various barriers to learning but always tries her best.
“She has fantastic attendance and is very supportive towards her peers. Alongside Megann being a scout assistant leader, she is also a member of the Barnsley Youth Choir and is continuing to take part in her Duke of Edinburgh award.”
Brandon Green - Community Hero
Brandon Green might only be 16, but he has already held the floor in the Houses of Parliament.
Brandon, who is Outwood Academy Carlton’s outgoing student president, made his mark in the House of Commons with a debate broadcast live on the BBC Parliament channel.
Passionate about young people’s issues and politics, Brandon spoke in favour of improving public transport to make it cheaper, better and more accessible. That topic was decided after more than 10,000 young people in Barnsley took part in the 2017 Make Your Mark ballot.
Shannon Shaw - Young Conqueror
Attending college can be tough for any teen. But for 18-year-old Shannon Shaw, her Cerebral Palsy made it even more difficult.
It was a challenge she managed to overcome, however, with her determination to succeed seeing her nominated for a Young Conqueror award by tutor Chris Taylor. Her illness, which affects the right side of her body, was not the only difficulty she faced in her first year.
Chris said: “Shannon enrolled onto childcare level one, which she really enjoyed and the year was going great until she had some family bereavements. Her dad and granddad's deaths were just a month apart. Shannon did not manage very well and her attendance started to slip. College supported Shannon through this year, helping her achieve her study programme.
“She has enrolled onto level two childcare now. Through this academic year there have been emotional milestones which Shannon has found very hard. With support she is moving forward again to achieve her goals. Keep up the good work. She is inspirational.”
Thanat Meesri - Young Apprentice
Hardworking Thanat Meesri is never fashionably late to his apprenticeship.
Thanat, who is currently a fashion apprentice at Huddersfield fashion company MeeM Label Ltd, previously studied a level three fashion course at Barnsley College.
He was nominated for young apprentice by his tutor Amy Basry.
Amy said: “Thanat started his apprenticeship in January 2017 and has flourished in the role, while still working at the family business. Thanat has already established himself as a key figure within the company. He has been designing for the label, creating samples and has had his designs manufactured and sold. His designs have sold worldwide including Dubai, Saudi, Qatar and Kuwait.
“We are tremendously proud of Thanat and what he has achieved. He is a very humble person, always polite and thankful. He moved to England in 2007 from rural Thailand and works incredibly hard and never takes anything for granted. He has a strong work ethic and has produced some amazing work throughout his studies at Barnsley College.”
Lauren Hillam - Young Apprentice
Hairdressing apprentice Lauren made waves when she helped out celebrity stylist Andrew Barton with his Beehives, Bobs and Blowdries charity ball at the Barnsley Civic.
Lauren, from Kingsway, Mapplewell, works at The Hair Revolution in Barnsley and sees her apprenticeship as a second start.
When she left school Lauren was a carer for a close family member, meaning she couldn’t attend college with friends and had little confidence or qualifications.
But thanks to her strong work ethic and winning personality, she has grown business for the salon and her reputation as an outstanding apprentice.
Barnsley College’s head of hair and beauty Sarah Seaman said: “Lauren is without a doubt one of the hardest working and nicest individuals we have ever had the pleasure of meeting and we anticipate she will have a very successful working career as a hairdresser.”
Hannah Carnell - Young Volunteer
Hannah Carnell, 21, secured herself a voluntary placement with Qdos Creates.
For University Campus Barnsley alumni Hannah, from Silkstone View, Hoyland, it was the perfect opportunity.
Qdos delivers performances, workshops and accredited courses regionally and nationally for young people and adults.
Her time with them has allowed her to gain invaluable experience in the area of music therapy. She has spent time returning to UCB to tell students about her studies and her voluntary experiences outside of the classroom.
Morgan Emi Jones - Young Sportsperson
Morgan is only 14, but she already counts 27 medals from her karate career - something which has also seen her travel the world to compete.
She started at age four at the Barnsley Karate Centre, run by her granddad John Tumman, seventh dan karate coach.
Since beginning to compete aged seven, Morgan, from Blenheim Road, Barnsley, has taken home gold at the British Karate Championships and become the British pairs kata karate champion. She has travelled to Dublin, where she won the Irish open last year, and Venice, Italy as part of the Shindo kai karate squad.
She has been selected for the English youth squad too - all alongside being a junior coach at the karate centre.
Jordan Barnett - Young Sportsperson
Young footballer Jordan has scored himself a nomination for Young Sportsperson.
The 18-year-old has signed a one year contract with Premier League outfit Burnley FC after impressing coaches in a two-week trial there.
He was picked up after becoming a regular starter for Barnsley Sports Academy’s male football team and Penistone Church FC.
Alongside training with the club on a full-time basis, he is continuing his Barnsley College studies.
His dreams of playing professionally have never stopped and his ultimate aim is to secure a place in the first team squad.
Barnsley College sport programme manager Mark Ryan said: “Jordan has worked really hard to develop as a footballer during his time here, working with the coaching team at Barnsley Sports Academy and Penistone Church. He is a young man that absolutely loves football and has done well in the classroom.”
Chloe Young - Young Carer
Chloe, 18, from Park Road, Worsbrough, cares at home - but she cares at college too.
So much so that she has earned herself a nomination in the Young Carer category from her tutorial learning mentor Claire Griffin.
Claire said: “I would like to nominate Chloe as she is a genuine, caring individual who helps her mum care for her five siblings. Chloe is the mum of her college group and tends to take a caring nature with all her peers.
“Chloe presents as a mature young lady who goes over and above to care for all the people around her. She ensures all her peers are supported and happy during their college time. And she has supported her mum to care for her younger siblings throughout their childhood, who are aged 16, 14, six, four and two.”
Luke Grainger - Young Fundraiser
Luke, from the Ringway, Bolton-upon-Dearne, loves performing as part of the Real Music Centre Theatre Company.
So when he wanted to raise some cash for Weston Park Cancer Hospital, he thought of putting those performing skills to good use.
He organised a string of flash mob surprise performances across Sheffield and Barnsley.
RMC tutor Helen Ingham said: “Every event has been a complete success and Luke hopes this year to raise funds for Sheffield Children’s Hospital. This is an amazing achievement for a young adult who takes very little credit for his ability to co-ordinate and engage young performers, who in turn gain valuable performance experience.
“Luke is always the first person to help in any way he can, nothing is too much trouble for him. He is willing to give his time freely to help our young performers and share his talent and skill.”
