SCOTS TEENS PROVE THEY ARE A CUT ABOVE

EDINBURGH, Scotland, March 21 /PRNewswire/ --

An Airdrie teenager who walked four miles to and from her work placement
at a hairdresser's every day, will tonight receive a major award at the
Scottish Parliament.


Nineteen-year-old Vicky McCormick whose father sadly passed away during
her placement at the salon, strived through difficult times to land a
full-time job at Elite Hair and Beauty. She will now get her hands on a
Rathbone Scotland Achiever Award.


Vicky's is not the only tale of determination on display today, because
Kilmarnock Tourettes sufferer Scott Laird will pick-up the Life Skills Award
- having learned to live more independently. Meanwhile, Glasgow teenager
Jennifer Still overcame dyslexia to secure a job in retail and is now
dreaming of a career in the police and an appearance on the X-Factor!


Organised by charity Rathbone, the Awards recognise young people who have
made significant progress through learning. And Rathbone Director, Mary
Hamilton, believes today's winners will be an inspiration to others and make
those who dismiss our next generation, think again.


Amongst the other Achievers are Prestwick bike salesman Gary Fowler,
Dundee teenager Teresa Culley and adult learner Alan Brown from Glenrothes.
Awards are also presented to those who help young people progress - which is
why Lochgelly construction company FFDR and ProjectScotland volunteer Laura
Middlemiss are honoured. Film extra turned Rathbone volunteer Joseph Dodds,
receives a Special Award (see list of winners).


Allan Wilson MSP, Deputy Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning
will present the Awards a special ceremony.


Mr Wilson said: "The Scottish Executive is delighted to support Rathbone
and other organisations like it, which provide access to learning and
employment opportunities and I would like to extend my personal
congratulations to each and every winner."



Photographs of the winners are available.


The Rathbone Scotland Achievers 2007



Name Name of Award From

Alan Brown Adult Glenrothes, Fife
Teresa Culley Get Ready for Work Dundee
Personal Development
Joseph Dodds Special Award Glasgow
Elaine English Employee Springside
FFDR Employer Lochgelly, Fife
Gary Fowler Skillseeker Prestwick
Scott Laird Life Skills Kilmarnock
Rochelle Locke Youth Choices Kilmarnock
Victoria McCormick Get Ready for Work Airdrie
Vocational
Laura Middlemiss ProjectScotland Volunteer Glasgow
Jennifer Still Get Ready for Work Core Glasgow
Skills