THE Pride of Somerset Youth Award nominations have been judged today (Thursday, April 13, 2023).

Over the past couple of weeks, the nominations have been gathered together, ready to be examined by members of the Rotary Club of Taunton and Somerset Day.

Present at the judging was CEO of Somerset Day, Nigel Muers-Raby, president of the Rotary Club of Taunton, David Lewis, and past president of the club, Peter Renshaw.

There is a limit of 10 winners, one of which will be a winner of the Sandy Padgett award. This special award is given in honour of Superintendent Sandy Padgett, who was instrumental in creating these awards alongside the Rotary Club and Gazette, but who tragically died before she was able to see the legacy of her commitment.

This award is usually reserved for those that have helped the community in some way, but can be given if someone has shown outstanding achievements in other categories.

Likewise, the winners are chosen based off of the impression that they give the judges, rather than a set set of criteria. In this way, the judges ensure that each unique nomination is considered carefully.

There are a wide range of different categories included, such as enterprise, charitable giving, sport and more. There can be more than one winner chosen from each category, meaning that more young people can get rewarded for their hard work and exceptional attitudes to life.

The winners will be recognised in the upcoming Pride of Somerset Youth Awards ceremony, which will be hosted on May 11, Somerset Day, at the Taunton campus of Bridgwater and Taunton College.

Speaking before the judging, Peter said: "The awards evening highlights what amazing things young people across Somerset have achieved, either volunteering, raising money for charity, excelling in the arts, sport or academically or overcoming adversity.

"Past winners range from excellence in sport to national level, helping the community when there were floods on the Somerset Levels, or excelling in music which also helped raise money for the Amber Trust."

Nominations for the awards have now closed. However, it is urged that you keep an eye out for this year's winners; perhaps someone you know could get recognised and rewarded.