Hayley is a guiding light
Published 6 Feb 2012 09:30
A Johnstone student has started the year on a high after being awarded with a special leadership accolade in the Girls Brigade.
Eighteen-year-old Hayley Blackwood has been a member of 1st Elderslie Girls Brigade since she was five-years-old.
Getting involved in all the activities the brigade had to offer, Hayley has achieved her yearly badges, including her brigaders brooch which is the second highest award that can be achieved by a girl, and a couple of years ago decided to take the next step towards being a lieutenant.
In a bid to become an officer within the company, Hayley undertook two leadership programmes which required her to get involved with one day workshops outwith the regular Thursday night meeting.
Hayley said: "It was during my fifth year at high school I started helping the junior section at Girls Brigade.
"The next progressive step for me was to do my leadership level three which would award me the title of warrant officer but I was encouraged to go through the more intensive officer training course to be awarded the title of lieutenant.
"This course taught me new skills and ideas which really encouraged me to take a more active role as a leader in the junior section."
Her hard work paid off when she was officially presented her leadership title, at the annual Christmas Concert, by Elderslie Kirk minister, Robin Allison, and Girls Brigade Renfrew Divisional Commander, Linda Vassie.
Hayley added: "I am delighted I have passed this officer training and hope that I can be a valued member of the Girls Brigade team.
"I've been part of Girls Brigade for such a long time and I've achieved and learned lots of things as well as making great friends.
"It wasn't just talents such as crafts and dance routines that I've learned but also obtaining knowledge about countries, charities and how to take care of ourselves but also how to work within a team, encourage each other and basically not to take yourself to seriously. Many of the skills I've learned are transferable to areas outside of the Girls Brigade and I truly believe they have helped me achieve a place in university, become employed and hopefully will aid my chances to find a good future career.
"I've loved being part of such a great friendly company and I'm happy to still be involved, and maybe I can be a role model to some of the young girls in the company the way the officers have mentored me through my 13 year service as a girl in the Girls Brigade."
Hayley, who lives in Springfield Park with her parents and brother, is currently studying Media and Communication at Glasgow Caledonian University.
Elizabeth Johnstone, Captain of 1st Elderslie, said: "It has been a pleasure to watch Hayley grow from an explorer to an lieutenant. She is a credit to her herself, her family and the company and we couldn't be prouder.
"The girls adore Hayley, she is a great young lady to work and has a great enthusiasm for Girls Brigade."
This article appeared in The Gazette 03 Feb 12
Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our News archives.
