Lossiemouth pupils win £3k for Alzheimer’s Scotland with Sir Ian Wood’s foundation
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A pair of pupils from Lossiemouth High have earned £3000 for Alzheimer’s Scotland by winning a contest that featured everyone in their year at school.
Caitlyn Duncan (13) and Kali Mitchell (14) triumphed following a five-minute presentation they gave in the assembly hall on Monday evening.
In front of an audience of more than 50, the teenage pair spoke about the charity’s work in Moray.
Caitlyn said: “We’re really pleased. Alzheimer’s Scotland works really hard to help old people and do so many good things.”
Kali added: “When it was announced that we’d won my mum gave out a really big loud cheer. I think I must get my competitive spirit from her.”
A judging panel, featuring headteacher Janice Simpson and Moray councillor Peter Bloomfield, judged their presentation the best.
Alzheimer’s Scotland will now receive the prize money donated by the Wood Foundation, which was set up by Scottish businessman Sir Ian Wood.
Sums of £100 will also go to each of the other four local good causes represented at the final this week - Lossiemouth Men’s Shed, CLAN Cancer, Abbie’s Sparkle Foundation and Kayleigh’s Wee Stars.
Caitlyn and Kali have now been invited down to Crieff Hydro in Perthshire to meet Sir Ian Wood later on in the year, along with the young winners from schools across Scotland who also participate in the Youth and Philanthropy Initiative (YPI).
Like the rest of the competing teams, Caitlyn and Kali had been working on their presentation since October.
Peter Ferrier, the teacher who co-ordinates the YPI scheme at Lossiemouth, said: “I think it’s great for a number of reasons.
“In order to prepare their presentations the pupils have to make contact with the causes for which they are going to speak in favour.
“They learn about the adult world, about sending professional emails, having a grown-up phone manner.
“They also learn about the causes themselves
“And, on top of that, having to give a presentation helps to boost their self-confidence.”
