THREE students have been recognised for their efforts in an annual awards ceremony that celebrates the very best of youth.
Longfield School pupils Amy Merchant, Bayleigh Firth and Yasmin Douglas were successfully nominated for the Vibe Awards, organised by Darlington Borough Council.
Bayleigh won the Learning Against the Odds Oscar for overcoming difficulties associated with her cerebral palsy.
The 12-year-old is one of the most active and popular students in the school and has just secured another personal goal – walking up the six flights of stairs in the school tower block to see the view.
“”When I first came to Longfield I really struggled to walk,” she said. “But my aim is to be just like all the other students and now I take part in sports, have learnt to swim, do martial arts, use the treadmill and play wheelchair basketball.
“I was overwhelmed when I actually won the Vibe Award. When I reached the top of the tower it was well worth it as the view was amazing.”
Deputy head teacher Beverley Clifton said: “We were immensely proud of all the girls to be even nominated. But when Bayleigh actually won everyone was shouting and crying; it was brilliant.
“She is known as the little girl with the big heart. She always puts 110 per cent into everything she does and always has a smile on her face.”
Amy, 15, was nominated for the Outstanding Contribution to the Community category and Yasmin, also 15, was short-listed in the Learning Against the Odds section.
Mrs Clifton said: “Amy has done so much work for St Teresa’s Hospice and is an avid fundraiser.
“Yasmin loves animals and science and hopes to go to college and she always remains cheerful despite having to cope with difficulties in her life.”
