A FORMER winner of the Pride of Jersey Young Ambassador of the Year title has described it as a ‘humbling experience’.
Youth worker Luke Du Val, who won the award last year, was nominated for his outstanding contribution to Jersey Youth Service.
Mr Du Val said: ‘The impact was a lot larger than I expected, it really was a humbling experience.
‘I’ve been recognised by a few strangers, people come up to me at the desk at work, and it’s nice to be recognised for something.’
He added the awards ceremony had also made him realise the strength of the Island’s community spirit.
‘It’s certainly made me realise how important working for the Youth Service is.
‘On a small island you can get lost in your own world. During the ceremony it was nice to see the community spirit.’
Giving advice to this year’s Pride of Jersey nominees, he said: ‘Be proud of the achievement and enjoy it, no matter the outcome.’
Mr Du Val, who is also now employed by Jersey Zoo on the information desk, was described by nominator, senior youth worker Carmel Butel, as a ‘truly remarkable young man’.
Mr Du Val also achieved success during his time as a student. While studying at the University of Plymouth, he wrote a blog to inspire other young disabled people, and later graduated with a first-class degree.
The 2020 Pride of Jersey awards ceremony was postponed until last year due to the pandemic but, despite the delay, Mr Du Val said: ‘I enjoyed the ceremony. It was nice to see who else had been nominated.’
The Young Ambassador award aims to shine a light on young people who are excelling in any field, with those aged 16-to-25 years old eligible for nomination.
Last year’s other finalists were Jack Rondel and Jay Cracknell.
