The winner of this year’s Provost’s Young Champion Award is former pupil of Lenzie Academy, Alex Dalziel, who was not only an exceptional pupil and positive role model at school, but in his free time has volunteered for over seven years with Creative Sparks Theatre Arts.
Alex has taken on many roles with Creative Sparks Theatre Arts including supporting classes, assisting with productions, mentoring younger members and helping behind the scenes. He is always willing to go above and beyond and has supported countless young people, helping to build confidence, develop skills, and create a welcoming and inclusive environment. He is extraordinarily dedicated to the organisation; his enthusiasm and positive attitude have helped Creative Sparks Theatre Arts thrive and grow, benefiting many young people in the local community.
And when not volunteering with Creative Sparks Theatre Arts, Alex ran Lenzie Academy’s Press Club for four years, encouraging younger pupils to write for a monthly online newspaper which he then edited himself. In his sixth year he became a House Captain and encouraged his house to take part in a variety of activities culminating in them winning the annual House Cup challenge.
Provost Gillian Renwick and Depute Provost Colette McDiarmid presented Alex with his Community Champion Award certificate and quaich at Lenzie Union Church Halls where he was volunteering at the Creative Sparks Theatre Arts Summer School. Provost Renwick said, “It was great to meet Alex whilst he was working with Creative Sparks Theatre Arts; seeing him with the children and talking to Jen McDonald, the Artistic Director and Founder of the organisation, who first met Alex when he started attending at the age of 7. Alex’s interpersonal skills and nurturing approach when working with the young people and the other volunteers has made a huge impact on the organisation. Both at school and in his volunteering role, his exceptional work ethic and gift in encouraging others to shine has made a lasting impression on his teachers, school mates and friends at Creative Sparks Theatre Arts. Alex thoroughly deserves to receive the Young Champion Award, and both the Depute Provost and I wish him all the very best for what is undoubtedly a very promising future.”
Alex said, “I have been a member of Creative Sparks Theatre Arts since I was seven years old and I have always loved being part of it, the people involved are like family to me."
I get so much out of it, both being involved in the productions and being a mentor to the children and young people.
"It was a wonderful surprise to have been nominated and to have won the Provost’s Young Champion Award, thank you.”
