A COLLEGE’S star performers have won high praise in a prestigious national awards scheme that recognises outstanding academic and civic achievements.
Carmel College students Liam White and Robyn Errington-Coates were highly commended by Education Secretary Nicky Morgan after becoming runners up in the Lord Glenamara Memorial Prize.
The duo travelled to University College London, to receive their awards at a prestigious ceremony.
The scheme was set up in 2012 in memory of former Education Secretary Lord Glenamara, who was raised in the village of Warcop, east Cumbria, in order to recognise the achievements of young people with active interests in history, politics and public life in the North East.
Reflecting on the importance of the award, Mrs Morgan said: “This award not only champions high standards in education, but also encourages activities that build character, essential qualities that help prepare our children for life in modern Britain.”
Lord Glenamara first served the North East as a headteacher in Blyth, Northumberland, before representing Newcastle in the House of Commons. He was later appointed Education Secretary under Harold Wilson before entering the House of Lords, of which he was the longest serving member at the time of his death.
The top prize went to Declan Pang, a Year 12 pupil at St Thomas More RC Academy, North Shields, who achieved 13A*s at GCSE and raises money for charity in his spare time.
For Liam the ceremony was another opportunity to head to the capital. The 16 year-old is part of a working party asked to develop a national manifesto on child poverty which has held discussions at the Houses of Parliament.
The GCSE student also sits on working groups within the local authority and is vice chairman of the Darlington Care Crew, which represents the interests of young people and influences local decision makers.
Liam is a Darlington Young Inspector visiting services in the town for young people and feeding back views.
He said: “It was an incredible honour to be commended by the Education Secretary particularly as it recognises the importance young people’s efforts and views.”
Carmel College Principal Maura Regan said: “Liam is an excellent student and a wonderful role model with a highly developed sense of social injustice, which is he fully prepared to campaign against.”
Robyn’s academic achievements earned her high praise too. The sixth former achieved six A*s and five As at GCSE and has been part of various gifted and talented programmes.
The 17 year-old has also involved herself in local affairs, writing to the council about and helping to resolve road safety issues.
A talented musician and a volunteer, she is part of the Sixth Form Leadership Team and contributes to the music society and charities group, including fundraising for the Uganda Choir.
She said: “I do feel it is important to be involved in community life. Young people have a great deal of energy and can make a real difference.”
Ms Regan added: “Again, Robyn demonstrates a strong senses of justice and recognises that ordinary people have a duty to become involved in order to do what they can for the local area and community at large. She is an absolute credit to the college.”
