Students from across Co. Kerry who give their time to help in their local community are being encouraged to enter the 2016 Pramerica Spirit of Community Awards before the deadline of Friday, October 23rd.
The 2016 programme year marks the 10th anniversary of the Pramerica Spirit of Community Awards, the only all-Ireland youth initiative of its kind which rewards post-primary students for outstanding acts of volunteerism and the positive contribution they make in their local communities and further afield.
The last call for entry is being supported by The National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals (NAPD), The General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland (GTCNI),
Foróige and Scouting Ireland, which partner with Letterkenny-based Pramerica Systems Ireland.
“With only a few days left to enter the 2016 Pramerica Spirit of Community Awards, we are urging youth volunteers from across the island of Ireland to submit their application online before the 23rd October,” said Andrea McBride, vice president, Pramerica Systems Ireland.
“In this 10th anniversary year, we want to inspire and motivate even more young people to get involved in volunteering, and recognise their dedication and commitment in supporting their local communities. We would encourage all school principals to shine a light on their pupils’ inspirational volunteering stories and enter the awards to celebrate the strength of volunteerism in Ireland.”
Application forms can be completed and submitted online to a principal or deputy principal at www.pramerica.ie/spirit. Students must complete and submit their applications by 23 October. Principals then have until 6th November to nominate students for national-level recognition. Every school can submit a maximum of two applications to go forward for national judging.
Prizes for the 20 finalists include €500, an invitation to the Gala Awards dinner and fantastic recognition for the school. Two All-Ireland Youth Volunteers of the Year will also be selected from the finalists, each of whom will receive €1,000 for their chosen charity and a trip to the United States.
In Ireland a number of leading public figures have supported and participated in the programme including Bertie Ahern, John Hume, Caitriona Ruane, Mickey Harte, Declan Kidney, John Lonergan, David Coleman, Martin O’Neill and Brent Pope.
For further updates on the 10th annual awards, follow the Pramerica Spirit of Community Facebook page and Twitter feed, or visit www.pramerica.ie/spirit
Past finalists, honourees, teachers, partners, supporters and ambassadors are also encouraged to connect with the programme and share their anniversary messages and memories via the Facebook and Twitter pages.
