[James]

Pride..not Prejudice

Mar 23 2008

Sunday Mail Young Scot Award 2008 In Association With Lloyds Tsb Scotland

JOHN Loughton is chair of the Scottish Youth Parliament, a child poverty campaigner and Big Brother Celebrity Hijack winner. And he's only 21.

Alex Salmond better watch out. John was also chair of the Young Scot judges faced with the monumental task of selecting 42 winners from thousands of your nominations.

Last week, he took centre stage alongside the First Minister at the third Sunday Mail Young Scot awards. It was an inspirational night.

Jamie and Andy Stewart, twins separated by tragedy but united in courage, were deserved winners.

But the wonderful thing was that they and all our finalists are not the exception - but the rule.

Too often we pigeonhole and patronise young people. John best summed to the spirit of the night: "The Sunday Mail Young Scot Awards represent an occasion to celebrate the creativity, passion and dedication of our young people.

"I've never known an event that has given young people so much inspiration and pride.

"These are young people whose achievements have the capacity to make everyone sit up and think.

"Too many people write off young people as hoodie-wearing, ASBO collecting, alcopop-drinking louts.

"The young people recognised are the true reflection of today's young Scots, not the exception.

"Well done to the Sunday Mail, Lloyds TSB Scotland and to Young Scot for providing a platform to honour my generation."

Thank you John and thanks to all our young Scots everywhere. We ARE proud of you.

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http://www.sundaymail.co.uk/opinion/...8057-20359440/