After receiving an overwhelming number of nominations, High Life Highland can now reveal its shortlist for the i-care ‘People’s Choice Award’.
The Charity’s annual i-care awards, sponsored by Technogym, are designed to recognise and celebrate the great successes that the charity’s staff and volunteers achieve every day to make life better for the people of the Highlands.
There are nine categories in total but only the public get to nominate a staff member for the ‘People’s Choice Award’. There were 74 individuals receiving nominations from the public – all of them very deserving – and this has now been whittled down to the following a shortlist.
Jennifer Rankine – Dingwall Leisure
What people said about Jennifer:
“Jenny is the most inspiring and motivational spin instructor, she is always full of energy, enthusiasm and encouragement.”
“Jenny has an outstanding air of positivity about her which she promotes through her very energetic fitness classes. She promotes collaboration and community through the formation of positive relationships with her participants. She makes a point of speaking to everyone and getting to know them personally.”
Steve Jones – Tain Royal Academy Community Centre
What people said about Steve:
“Steve is passionate about putting on classes people want. He has taken time to seek suggestions and feedback and tweak his classes to be accessible to all. He has found a balance between technical weightlifting instruction and fun. His circuits and ladies’ gym class numbers have soared and now include all ages from 18 to 70 plus. He encourages everyone to believe in themself.”
“Steve has consistently supported myself and family at fitness classes and the gym. He is encouraging and motivating in a gentle way, imparting knowledge and personal experiences when necessary and at other times just allowing us to get on with it because he knows his client’s abilities, strengths and weaknesses. I find him to be polite, inclusive and always welcoming.”
Mark Reynolds – Music Tutor, Lochaber
What people said about Mark:
“Mark works tirelessly for his brass students and wider wind band pupils across Highland. He has been instrumental in setting up band classes in Lochaber, promoting whole class music learning on either brass or woodwind instruments. He is an inspiration to all those that he teaches and works with.”
“He has consistently gone well above his role as an instrumental teacher. Taking the bands to play in Perth at the Scottish Band Championships and winning gold and silver plus medals when they play. He also conducts the Highland Regional Wind Band, which has had nearly 90 young people playing in it at times. Mark also supports the Commandos every November, providing a concert in school for veterans coming to pay their respects at the Commando Memorial in Spean Bridge. Mark has been developing, nurturing and supporting music education on Lochaber for over 15 years.
“It is very rare to find such a genuine gift for people and teaching as Mark has. He is truly one in a million.”
Michael Golding, Chair of the High Life Highland Board said: “I would like to congratulate all of the members of our team who received a nomination from the public. It shows what a great job they are doing, making life better for the people of the Highlands.
“My particular congratulations to Jennifer, Steve and Mark – three outstanding individuals who go above and beyond every day to deliver a great service to our customers. Our thanks also to Stagecoach for sponsoring this category.”
The winners will be announced at the High Life Highland 2024 i-care awards ceremony on Thursday 7th November at the Strathpeffer Pavillion
