"Published on Wednesday 16 February 2005 15:28 ADVENTUROUS teenagers were rewarded for their dedication and hard work at a ceremony in Alfreton. Pupils from Lady Manners School, Bakewell, Highfields School, Matlock, and St Elphin's School, Darley Dale, were presented with silver and bronze awards by Derbyshire County Council's cabinet member for community services Councillor Bob Janes. Cllr Janes said: "Young people rarely get the recognition they deserve and these schemes give them the chance to prove themselves aside from the academic side of school life. "A lot of hard work goes into gaining these awards and the Duke of Edinburgh Gold award can take up to two years to complete." Family and friends gathered in the Polygon Youth Centre, in Alfreton, on January 28 to see more than 30 youngsters receive their certificates and badges. "This ceremony is about giving credit to young people and recognising their commitment," said Cllr Janes. Rachel Edmiston, Richard Gray, Alice Holmes, Samantha Johnston and Jack Otter from Lady Manners School received silver awards. Bronze award-winners included Claire Drinkall, Hannah Farnfield, James Lightfoot and David Ward from Highfields School, Katie Baker, Miriam Beastall, David Bentley, Sarah Blagden, Lorna Buckingham, Elizabeth Canty, William Cook, Greg Edwards, William Froggatt, Stephen Garland, Jenny Gore, Jemma Grant, Jake Hill, Abbe Hobson, Lizzie Stokes and Daniel Varley of Lady Manners School, Edward Lomas of 15th Matlock Scouts and Kayley Eagle and Anna MacDonald of St Elphin's School. The scheme aims to help young people gain confidence and independence while offering them an individual challenge and the opportunity to try new activities and hobbies. It also enables them to learn from and give to others in their community and show they can work well as a team player. Schemes can be done through youth clubs, schools, universities, voluntary organisations or the workplace and are recognised by employers as a sign of hard work and commitment."
Reprinted by kind permission of Matlock Mercury |
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