A group of conscientious Knights Templar School sixth-formers who volunteer extensively in their community have been nominated for the Mitsubishi Electric Young People of the Year Awards.
The eight students nominated for the YOPEYs – an annual contest which rewards young volunteers – have been described as ‘standout role models’ by deputy head of sixth form, Daniel Rayman, who nominated them for the competition.
Head girl Lucy Merrell is a vital cog in the mentoring team at the Park Street school, providing academic guidance to underachieving pupils in their GCSE exams year.
She also rallied her fellow students to refurbish their old common room by organising the donation of furniture and art.
Tanishia Gearing helps pupils with emotional and behavioural difficulties by designing a programme of support to assist them with their day-to-day lives at school.
For two years Meghan Porter has volunteered at a club at Letchworth special needs school Woolgrove, giving respite to the parents of autistic children.
Best friends Lena Harding and Lauren Marshall lead revision schemes for 14 year olds, many of who have a range of learning difficulties.
As part of her volunteering, Helen Inman helps with sixth form induction days and gives advice to 15 year olds on their academic futures.
Georgina Crowther has given up hours of her time to assist with the running of parents’ evenings and with school fundraisers such as the Big Sixth Form Quiz and Winter Dinner Dance.
The one boy in the group is Matthew Cockburn, who volunteers at Stevenage’s Ridlins Athletics Stadium where he coaches disabled people.
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