SLIDESHOW: Derry youth a '˜Credit' to the city

Before an audience of 300 guests, 60 young people, who were nominated by family, friends, teachers and principals, coaches and youth group leaders, were acknowledged for their generosity, compassion, courage, talent, and leadership.

A total of 13 winners and 17 runners-up across eight categories were presented with awards during the ceremony.

The WELB Jazz Band kicked off the night with a number of lively tunes as guests arrived. Midway through the ceremony, Aine Gallagher’s harp selection entertained the crowd before Michael Bradley, founding member of the Undertones, delivered the keynote address.

Speaking at the awards, Alfie Bradley, Vice President of Derry Credit Union, said: ‘The Board of Directors are always pleased to support this awards initiative. This is what Derry Credit Union is all about: inclusiveness, a social consciousness and recognising endeavour and achievement.”

The members of the Derry Credit Union Limited Youth Committee planned and hosted the glittering event. Commenting on the youth committee members’ commitment, Derry Credit Union Youth Development Officer Margaret Lawrence said: “Our members spend countless hours writing their speeches, rehearsing and planning. No detail is left undone. We are so proud of them.”

Among the recipients was Courage Award winner Jamie Harkin from Lumen Christi College.

Jamie was diagnosed with Stage 4B Hodgkin’s Lymphona at the age of 12. For the past five years he has been receiving treatment but has remained a diligent student with top grades. Jamie also created ‘Jamie’s Journal’, a moving and honest blog chronicling his story, which has since evolved into the charity Jamie’s Journie, which aims to give children with cancer a voice.