Elemeno P applaudes exceptional Hamilton youth

Taking the stage Friday night at the Clarence Street Theatre, Elemeno P frontman Dave Gibson said that for him nights like the Hamilton youth awards was what it was all about. 33 exceptional young people were up for awards for everything from community involvement to innovative ideas, music, culture, arts and overcoming adversity. Gibson kept his promise, at the close of the night the band inviting some 100 youth fans, award winners and their friends onstage to celebrate the end of Recognyz 08, the Hamilton youth Awards, in rockstar fashion.

Gibson is a staunch supporter of youth talent, and it was apt that standing alongside him on stage was winner of the Beatstreet award for outstanding achievement in arts, music and culture, Jeremy Mayall. Twenty-four year old Mayall is also this year's Supreme winner and a teacher at Hamilton Boys High School.

Mayall's achievements in the field of arts and music are many and varied. As a freelance composer and producer he has been involved in a vast number of arts based activities. His theatre, film and orchestral works include many a collaboration with various community groups and local creative people. Highlights include a number of collaborations with the Sir Edmund Hillary scholarship programme and works produced for the Fuel Festival of New Zealand Theatre. He is a four-time finalist in the 48 hour Film Fest and has been nominated for the NZSO-Todd Corporation Young Composer Awards. Recently Jeremy has become involved as musical director for local big band - The Big Fat Jazz Bastards - who performed at last year's inaugural Hamilton 400. He is also a committed mentor to youth working with Waikato Regional RockQuest winners The Evergreens and Waikato University's Accelerando programme for gifted young composers.

Recognyz 2008 is proudly presented by Hamilton Youth Council and Hamilton City Council.

Alongside the Waitaiko Drummers, Fusion Dance Company and RockQuest runner-up Jimmy Leigh, The Evergreens opened for Elemeno P, drawing heavy applause from the crowd and much praise from the band as they took the stage.

It was The Evergreens leading the charge later in the night though as their mentor Mayall received the night's highest honour, the Supreme award – given to the finalist who had the greatest impact on the judging panel.

Other winners on the night included:

Anaru Warren, awarded the Manaakitanga award for community involvement and volunteering. A youth representative for the Service and Food Workers Union, Anaru has travelled internationally to represent the youth perspective on the Mock United Nations Forum, Environmental Issues and since 2006 he has been actively involved with Hamilton Youth Council.
Jordan Leaf, awarded the Youth 4 Youth award for leadership of other young people. A fantastic and popular youth leader. Jordan's accomplishments include everything from the rugby field to the classroom to youth support groups. He regularly and generously gives his time to youth and community events.
Patricia Colmenares, awarded The Apprentice Award for innovative ideas and creative projects. Patricia develops and runs innovative holiday programmes for children centred around Maori culture and making it real and empowering for young people.
Robbie Francis, awarded the Kia Kaha award for overcoming adversity. An amputee herself, Robbie feels the ongoing affects of her disability but feels it gives her a unique ability to encourage and support others. Thanks to her own fundraising she will spend 6-8 weeks this year volunteering in India with orphans and street kids. As a Victim Support volunteer Robbie supports the Police every week contacting local victims of crime and accidents.
Streetworks, awarded the Dream Team award for group volunteering and community involvement. Streetworks is a community action weekend run by three Waikato University students, twice a year. It seeks out volunteers of all ages and all backgrounds to come together to complete a range of projects throughout the city in the name of social responsibility.
Hamilton Mayor Bob Simcock says, "as soon as chart toppers and home-grown favourites Elemeno P were signed to headline Recognyz 08, we knew this year's Hamilton youth awards were set to be big. Then Hamilton's young people impressed us even more.

"This year Recognyz received a record number of nominations. 33 finalists were up for awards on the night. More than ever our young people are showing us that they are achieving great things in the city. The awards are a great way to celebrate that and promote opportunities for youth to succeed big. It's great to see the event growing and artists of the calibre of Elemeno P coming on board to support it even more," he says.

Hamilton Youth Council chairperson Shaun Libeau says Saturday night was one of those opportunities. "Thank you to our sponsors ZM, Print House, Waikato Security, Hotel Ibis and Admor for making such a great night possible."

"Taking the stage with Elemeno P and Recognyz winners were The Evergreens and Jimmy Leigh who respectively won first and second place in the 2008 RockQuest's Waikato competitions. James Leigh also won the APRA Lyric Writers Award. Also taking the stage was hip hop dance troupe Fusion, members of the group were winners of the University category at the recent Hip Hop World Champs in LA. Making opportunities happen for youth is what Hamilton Youth Council is all about", he says.

Simcock says, "we want our young people to check out the stories on stage and be inspired to make something happen in Hamilton. We're already counting the days to see what they have in store for us at Recognyz 09."

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