Courier celebrates East Lothian's champions
Three of our secondary school teachers were in the spotlight last month at an awards ceremony celebrating the people and groups that make the county so special
Kenny Beaton and Gillian Williams, both from Dunbar Grammar School, and Ross High School’s Ellis Notley were finalists in the East Lothian Courier’s Community Champions Awards’ Champion Teacher of the Year category.
Now in its second year, the awards honour the outstanding contributions of those who make a real difference in their local communities and a special ceremony was held at Marine North Berwick. The Champion Teacher of the Year category recognised teachers (educational and vocational) who are bringing learning to life by engaging and inspiring children and young people to fulfil their potential. Dirleton Primary School’s Emma Shepherd won the award at last year’s inaugural ceremony.
On the evening it was Ellis, who also plays in defence with Hibernian FC Women’s Team, who lifted the trophy in front of a room full of fellow nominees and invited guests.
Ellis Notley (centre) with Gillian Williams and Kenny Beaton at the East Lothian Courier Community Champion Awards
John Bellany Day Centre staff team was delighted to receive the Health and Care Award for the support that they offer to the people they use their service. In accepting the award, Centre Manager Keith McCombs praised his team saying the award was for them for all of the fantastic work that they do.
‘Emotional evening’
The room heard inspiring stories of ‘ordinary people who do extraordinary things’ in an emotional evening. Finalists from a diverse range of backgrounds and activities were recognised across a range of categories: from sporting success on the world stage to groups that support sustainability; fabulous fundraisers, brilliant businesses and amazing arts projects.
Judges Ciara Jamieson from Berwick and Offshore Windfarm, East Lothian Provost Councillor John McMillan, Gaynor Marshall from Lothian Buses and East Lothian Courier’s Editor Robbie Scott reflected on the challenges of choosing winners from so many worthy candidates – a task that proved impossible when it came to the Little Champion of the Year category which saw all three finalists receive trophies.
‘Amazing residents’
Robbie Scott said: “Week after week, year after year, we at The Courier are privileged – in print and online – to share the stories of our amazing residents who go the extra yard to help and assist their neighbours and countless good causes. We are honoured to formally recognise some of these inspiring people; they never seek attention or fanfare but deserve every plaudit given to them. Without them, our county would be a much poorer place.”
Full details of all the finalists and winners, including photos from the evening, are available from the East Lothian Courier website.
The East Lothian Courier Community Champion Awards were sponsored by East Coast buses, Marine North Berwick, PureMalt, SSE Renewables, Sustainable Facilities Management and Vertu.