Selfless schoolchildren celebrated
Community-minded young people from Wyre Forest schools were celebrated at this year's Young Citizenship Celebration Evening at Kidderminster Town Hall.
The seventh annual event, which celebrates the citizenship work carried out by young people, was organised by Safer Wyre Forest and the ContinU Trust.
As well as recognising the range of citizenship work undertaken by students during the 2018/19 academic year, it also shines a light on the positive activities done outside of school, in conjunction with local youth and emergency services.
There was a presentation highlighting the success of the long-running Young Citizens' Challenge, in which Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, West Mercia Police and other partner organisations deliver key safety messages to year six children from primary schools on subjects including 'stranger danger', water safety and first aid.
The work of the current high school ‘community ambassadors’ was presented by the outgoing ambassadors, followed by the presentation of an achievement award which this year went to Stourport High School. The West Mercia Young Good Citizen Award was presented to the outgoing ambassadors by Chief Inspector Jim Baker and the evening then saw the formal induction of the new year 10 community ambassadors. The new ambassadors were presented with their badges by deputy West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner Tracey Onslow.
Ms Onslow said: "The young people at this event represent some of the best values and spirit in our society. It is absolutely right that we celebrate their contributions and achievements, in recognition of how their selflessness and generosity benefits our communities.
"It was an honour to represent the Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion in supporting this event, and I hope it will inspire others to follow the fantastic examples these young people have set.”
During the event, junior pick-up artist Chloe Blanchfield spoke about the work she did during the Keep Britain Tidy campaign 'The Great British Spring Clean' when she cleared her route to school and successfully litter picked 63 bin bags of rubbish over the 33 day challenge. She was presented with a special ward from Safer Wyre Forest in recognition for her work.
