A group of courageous and generous youngsters from across Shropshire have been honoured for the difference that they have made to other peoples’ lives.
The Good Citizens award ceremony was held at the Telford & Wrekin Council Civic Offices yesterday, when 34 young people were presented with their awards and five were selected to go forward to a national final.
Nomination forms were sent to schools across the county who could put forward individuals or small groups for the honours, which are run by West Mercia Constabulary to recognise young people who made an outstanding contribution to their community in the last year.
Eighteen-year-old Wellington sisters Ruth and Hannah Warren, who attend Blessed Robert Johnson Catholic College, earned a place in the final after judges heard about their “exemplary” commitment to “the non day night club” for adults and youths who have special needs.
The organiser, who has been responsible for the club for over 25 years, said Ruth and Hannah were the best helpers the club had had.
Tom Polak, from Shifnal, was nominated for having completed more than 200 hours of voluntary work for Millennium Volunteers.
The Idsall Sixth Form College student has also been involved with school dramas, the chemistry club and a mini-sports festival for local primary children. He is also a first aider.
His teachers described him as “a generous young man who gives freely of his time”.
Deaf student Katie Edwards, from Wem, has not let her hearing loss stop her from becoming involved in school activities at Thomas Adams School.
She has been a member of the sports committee and the science garden working party, and helped raise funds for the Far Foundation – a charity set up to help children and young people with a hearing impairment.
Jodie Price, 16, from Telford, is a pupil at The Lord Silkin School. Although she has been studying for her GCSEs this term she has made time to look after handicapped students, making sure they get to lessons and are settled in.
Acting Sergeant Rebecca Handy, who organised this year’s award scheme said: “The quality of nominations has been incredibly high and it was very difficult to decide who should go to the gala ceremony in October.”
By Pam Griffin
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