RHYS Greig, from Lochgelly, has been announced as the winner of the Excellence in Education Award, sponsored by the University of St Andrews, at the Steven Brown and Sunday Mail Young Scot Awards 2018.

Rhys, who nursed her father through drug addiction before he died, is keeping a promise to him to become a nurse.

The teenager spent years caring for her dad Ryan, a former ice hockey player, who died last year. Despite his addiction, Ryan always encouraged his daughter to keep up her studies and, when she graduates from Dundee University, she will dedicate her degree to him.

Rhys went on to finish her sixth-year studies, became a prefect, took part in volunteering and completed the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and is now in her first year at university studying nursing.

Marking the finale of Scotland’s Year of Young People 2018, the Young Scot Awards is the biggest and best celebration of young people and their incredible achievements. The Awards, now in their thirteenth year, showcased the incredible stories of inspiring young people across 14 categories including Community, Diversity, Enterprise, Unsung Hero and this year’s additional award of Year of Young People Champion of the Year.

The nearly 3,000 guests who attended the Awards on Friday night were entertained by performances from singer Max George, and a rendition of the Greatest Showman from students of the GAMTA Performing Arts School.

The Awards were hosted by comedian and Love Island funny man Iain Stirling, with famous faces joining the young people on the red carpet to celebrate Scotland’s amazing young heroes in style – with Love Island’s Laura Anderson, actor Christy O’Donnell and YouTube sensation Dodie, and many more in attendance.

Rhys said: “I would have never said a year ago that I would be here tonight. This award could help me influence other young people who are from a disadvantaged background and show them what they can do with education. I had a disadvantage when I was younger due to my dad’s addiction issues, so I want to set an example for other young people to let them know they can do well in school and achieve so much.”

Louise Macdonald, Chief Executive of Young Scot, said: “The Awards celebrate and reward Scotland’s finest and most inspiring young people. A massive congratulations Rhys, you have made your community so proud. We have been blown away by the incredible stories of courageous young people across the country. These Awards have been a fantastic way to round off the Year of Young People 2018!”

Brendan McGinty, Editor of the Sunday Mail, said: “It is a privilege for the Sunday Mail to salute our young Scots. The Awards are always a calendar highlight.

"The quality of the finalists continues to be outstanding, proving the future of our nation is in safe hands.”