Harborough Young Person of the Year 2024: Natasha Callis

Hi everyone,

It’s Natasha here, Speak Out editor. I just wanted to say a big thank you to Caroline (Speak Out Project Coordinator) for nominating me for the Harborough Young Person of the Year Award 2024 for my writing for Speak Out and for my netball coaching. It meant so much just to be thought of as a nominee, let alone to be shortlisted and win the award.

Thank you to everyone who works with Speak Out for publishing my articles in the magazines and promoting them to a wider audience. My writing aims not only to share joy, but also to act as a portfolio of work in later life. To know that the readership has increased since I began working with Speak Out is fantastic to hear.  I also wanted to thank the readers of Speak Out. At the end of the day, I want my writing to be read. It is lovely that so many of you are reading it.

Finally, this award gives me a platform on which to continue my volunteering work. I am grateful, honoured, proud and utterly delighted to receive this award. It is nice to be recognised for your achievements. To those at Speak Out and Market Harborough Youth Netball Club, thank you yet again for allowing me to contribute to what you give to our community in Harborough.

Best wishes,

Natasha Callis