Enthusiasm has not waned for 2023 Highland Heroes primary school pupil of the year, Tain's Kornelia Porozynska
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It was a litany of volunteer projects that earned Kornelia Porozynska the 2023 Highland Heroes primary school pupil of the year award – but if anything she has become even busier since.
She was named as the winner at the ceremony back in March, ahead of runners-up Marina Price and Yeva Ivanstok.
Already described in her nomination as "probably the most enthusiastic volunteer we have ever had" by the Tain YMCA – who rewarded her efforts by making Kornelia their young person of the year, the youngster was already the youngest ever winner of Youth Scotland's Dynamic Youth Award.
That came about from the work Kornelia had put in through her school holidays and at Lunch Club, Toddlers Group and Friday Fun Sessions.
Such a familiar face in the Tain community, she was also a "Gala Princess" at the end of June, taking part in the crowning ceremony, teddy bears picnic, family game night, the parade and many more fabulous shows organized by Tain Gala Association.
Since winning at Highland Heroes, Kornelia has moved up into secondary school – but her determination to help others has not faded one bit.
Now working towards a Saltire Award, she has started supporting the children's programmes and has recently joined Mikeysline's Youth Champions mental health support group, her school's youth committee and the youth form at Tain Youth Development – all while somehow finding the time to play clarinet in Tain Royal Academy's Junior Orchestra.
“My best memory of (Highland Heroes) was when I walked up on the stage nice and proud of myself about my achievements," Kornelia said.
"Me and my family were so surprised about the fantastic organization of the event full of joyful music and entertainment.
“Volunteering is so important to me because I know that other people need help, and that motivates me to help them as much as I can every single day.
"Seeing the smiles on their faces lets me know that I am doing the right thing.
“Helping people and spending time with them has helped me with my confidence, make new friends and make me more brave than I ever was. In the future, it will benefit me in my adult life when I will be looking for a job.
“I think we need more volunteers to help because we have so many people in need and we should try to bring more happiness to their life."
