An incredible short list of finalists has been announced for this year’s Plymouth Youth Awards which are supported by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC).
The annual awards celebrate children and young adults under the age of 21 throughout the city for their outstanding achievements, inspiring feats against adversity and tireless dedication to creating change.
For the second year in a row, Commissioner Alison Hernandez is sponsoring the Inspirational Person of the Year Award. The three finalists in the category have now been selected and the winner be announced at an awards ceremony in Plymouth on Saturday, June 14.
The young inspirational person award finalists are:
Alexandra Maria Radu
The remarkable 16-year-old student at City College Plymouth is a founder of AMR Street Dance. After moving from Romania, she faced pressure to follow a conventional path but bravely chose to pursue her passion for dance, inspiring and uplifting others.
Through AMR Street Dance, ‘Maria’ as she is known, created a sanctuary where young people aged 5 to 15 find confidence, belonging, and hope. In a world where many feel isolated, her classes offer a lifeline—a space where children are seen, heard, and empowered to express themselves.
Despite a busy college life and training under the popular Toby Gorniak MBE, she devotes herself to her students with empathy and determination. Her studio helps young people escape negativity and find joy, discipline, and friendship through dance.
Maria’s journey shows how passion with purpose can change lives. She shapes confident, resilient young people who believe in themselves. Her vision, courage, and generosity make her an inspiring role model and a true force for good.
Scarlett Swaddle
Scarlet is an extraordinary 16-year-old young leader who has spent six years amplifying the voices of young people, especially those often unheard. Her commitment to lasting change in Plymouth and beyond is inspiring.
As part of the SEND Improvement Board, she created a video highlighting students’ experiences and coined the slogan “Equal, Kind and Safe,” leading to new inclusive school policies. Nationally, she was the first from the South West selected for the Barnardo’s and Co-op Youth Advisory Group, advising on youth services across 20 UK sites.
In her community, Scarlet founded Takeaway Tuesday, a cooking group helping disadvantaged youth learn life skills and reduce food waste, with a sister project at All Saints Academy. She supports Plymouth City Council’s Participation Team, contributing to Young Safeguarders, Youth Parliament—where she campaigns on mental health, cost of living, tackling violence against women—and Young Recruiters.
Her influence reaches internationally; she presented on AI ethics in youth services at a Paris conference and authored the Recipe for Success report on food insecurity, submitted to Parliament. She helped create a Youth Manifesto reflecting youth needs.
Despite her achievements, Scarlet remains humble and team focused. Her passion, resilience, and vision make her a true role model and champion for those without a voice.
Crawford Kerr
The 17-year-old has been nominated for her unwavering dedication to public service, leadership, and compassion.
As a Police Cadet Leader, Crawford mentors younger cadets with empathy and professionalism, embodying respect, courage, and discipline. He excels academically in Level 3 Public Services at City College Plymouth, demonstrating remarkable maturity and resilience beyond his years.
Crawford volunteers with the Island Trust, supporting young people with additional needs in life-changing sailing experiences despite not being able to swim himself. He also helps organise Kidney Research UK fundraising events and regularly participates in local Clean Our Patch litter picks, showing his strong commitment to community improvement.
The Commissioner, when selecting the finalists, was particular touched that at home, Crawford is an unpaid young carer for his father, a kidney transplant patient, and his sister, who lives with Functional Neurological Disorder. Despite these significant personal responsibilities, he remains steadfast in his studies, volunteering, and leadership roles.
Crawford leads with quiet strength, kindness, and selflessness, inspiring everyone around him. His resilience, compassion, and dedication make him a true role model.
Commissioner Hernandez said: “I am proud to support these awards that recognise outstanding contributions to community safety, leadership, and resilience. These inspirational young people are all to be commended for the positive differences they are making within their local communities at such a young age.
“I am directly involved with Plymouth Youth Awards by participating in the judging process and am looking forward to celebrating with the winners and presenting my sponsored award of Inspirational Person of the Year.”
Plymouth Youth Awards is sponsored by Plymouth City Council in association with YMCA Plymouth and Discovery College. There are 13 categories from the Unsung Hero Award to Young Environmentalist, as well as awards that recognise individuals for inclusivity, sports and arts and culture.
For a full list of winners, please visit Incredible Plymouth youngsters praised as full shortlist for YMCA Youth Awards announced – Plymouth Live