Sarah humbled and honoured to receive unexpected award

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Sarah Louise Teggart BEM

A DOWNPATRICK woman, who was awarded a British Empire Medal in the New Year Honours List for services to scouting and the community, has been “bowled over” by the public’s reaction to the award.

Just over a week on from Sarah Taggart being revealed as a recipient of the prestigious accolade, the local woman admits she still cannot believe her voluntary role at the local Scouting Ireland unit led to her getting such a seal of approval!

And to make it even more special, Sarah is following in her mum’s footsteps. Remarkably, she is the third leader from Scouting Ireland’s Downpatrick unit to be recognised for their services.

Sarah’s mother, Mrs Cecelia Taggart, also proudly holds a BEM while Mr Liam Byrne was awarded an MBE.

Admitting that she feels she has “imposter syndrome” and still cannot believe someone took the time and effort to nominate her for such a prestigious accolade, Sarah said that the kind messages since the good news emerged have been overwhelming, but much appreciated.

“Everyone has been so kind, but in truth, it still doesn’t seem real,” she explained.

Speaking from her home on Monday evening, the Downpatrick woman, who works for Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, outlined how she has had, in one sense or another, a lifelong connection with the unit.

Back when she joined, girls could not do so until they were 14, but with her mum as a volunteer leader, and her brothers already actively involved, as are other members, Sarah said it was merely a waiting game until she reached the right age.

“It’s in our blood, and once I turned 14, I was straight in,” she confessed, adding that her brother and aunts are also still actively involved, and that her six-year-old niece recently became the third generation of the family to enrol with the unit.

Progressing from a Venture Scout, Sarah started her leadership training and never looked back, paving the way for more and more young women to enrol.

One of the many stand out proud moments is the fact that girls can now join from the age of six, and that around 40 per cent of Downpatrick Scouts’ membership is now made up of girls and young women.

Having been able to travel the world, on trips with Scouting Ireland, Sarah (44) said she feels “privileged” to have been able to meet people through the organisation and said she accepted the award “to honour all the people who have helped me along the way.”

Having spent three decades with the group, Sarah has no intention of stepping back.

“It’s a huge honour and every time I think about what’s happened I feel I have to pinch myself,” she admitted.

“I have seen former Scouts come back with their own children, and it’s heartwarming to see children come out of their shell, find their inner confidence and simply flourish.”

Sarah, who holds the title of Group Leader, has around 60 children in her charge, across the sections, ranging in age from 6 to 18.

She said that she can already see role models, and role models in the making, within the unit.

“It’s lovely to see people succeed and the confidence that Scouts gives to young people is immeasurable,” she said.

Having whittled down to just a few names as to who may be responsible for nominating her for an award, Sarah said the past week or so “has been absolutely phenomenal, but still unbelievable”.

Encouraging people to get involved in voluntary roles, Sarah said: “I never thought anything like this would happen to me but I would encourage people to give it a try.

“The amount of adventures and friends that I have through Scouting is unreal.

“I would not have the confidence I now have, even though some people may not think that I was once a very shy child.

“When I see a young person coming in, and it resonates with me back as a 14-year-old, I can try and explain that they can and should challenge themselves and great things will come.

“For me, it’s the self-confidence and the life skills that people develop and pick up and being able to pass on leadership skills which help them. To see a young person grow in confidence is one of the greatest things to witness.”

Adding that she is “very humbled” and “hugely honoured” to have been chosen for the accolade, Sarah reiterated that while the BEM is an individual award, it is one she shares with Downpatrick Scouts, past and present.

Admitting she is one who prefers to shy away from the limelight, Sarah said being in the spotlight is not something which sits comfortably with her.

“There are so many people out there who have and continue to do some truly amazing things, and I still can’t believe it; but it is an absolute honour.

“It is really nice, and I accepted this for all those who have encouraged me and inspired me along the way.”

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