Angus is a community champion
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A YOUNG man with a passion for helping his community and his school has been named as Moray’s Young Citizen of the Year.
Angus Lawson was the unanimous choice of the judges at the fifth annual awards last weekend.
The 17-year-old’s involvement in a range of groups and activities is extensive.
He plays piano at local care homes, is a Sunday School teacher, taught English to Zambian youngsters during a school trip to Africa and is a key member of Elgin High School’s 6th year leadership team.
Angus’ enthusiasm for his school stretches far and wide; he helped organise a school talent show, co-ordinate a charity event, helped produce the school year book, was involved in organising the Christmas dance and Burns’ Night ceilidh and is also a house leader.
He is a volunteer leader at Elgin Baptist Church where he helped establish successful youth nights and a summer Step Out programme.
A keen musician, Angus is a member of the St Giles Theatre Group and is part of the band performing in the production of Grease in Elgin Town Hall this week.
He teaches piano and guitar to friends and primary school children in his spare time, and also plays in a band called The Scenix.
Angus said: “I was quite excited just to be nominated. It was a nice feeling to know that school sees me as someone who likes to help out.
“There were a lot of people nominated and with the things other people have done I was shocked that I won the overall award.
“I started helping out when I was in first year. I have always enjoyed helping out at clubs because I don’t like having nothing to do.”
Mum Alison and dad Stephen are very proud of his efforts.
Alison said: “From a young age he was a special child and would always help me with his brother Gregor (12) when he was younger. He is very sociable and loves helping, he has always been that type of child.”
However, Alison jokingly added: “He can be a bit grumpy at times, particularly in the morning.”
Angus leaves school in the summer and admits he has not yet had the time to sort out his own future, although he is keen on studying to become a teacher or possibly an architect.
Said awards host Jim Gibson: “How could we not be impressed by all that we heard about Angus? He ticks all the criteria we set out for a young citizen.”
Nominated by Elgin High, staff there described him as a “talented, versatile young man who really goes the extra mile to engage with the community and does his part in making it a better place for the youth of the area”.
The Pastor of Elgin Baptist Church, Graham Swanson said: “He is always willing to help in whatever way he can and plays an active part in the church where he plays in the band, leads Sunday School lessons, participates in discussions and is an excellent role model to the younger boys for whom he always has time.”
Angus won a £100 prize, certificate and badge at the ceremony in the Mansefield Hotel.
The awards, sponsored by Moray Council, Police Scotland, Diageo and Elgin Rotary, aim to recognise the efforts of local individuals and groups.
