Rotary Club of Oldham announce Student of the Year winners

The awards ceremony took place in the council chamber at the Civic Centre in the presence of the deputy mayor, Cllr Eddie Moore, and his wife.

The Oldham Student of the Year for those aged 16 and over category was awarded to Acacia Seward, of Hulme Grammar School. 

Left to right: President Bernard Stone, Acacia Seward, deputy mayor Eddie Moore and Mrs Moore (Image: Rotary Club of Oldham)

The Year 11 to 16-year-old Student of the Year was awarded to joint winners Easa Abbas and Reece Barnes, both of The Blue Coat School.

All the winners receive a shield and a certificate from the rotary club to mark their achievements. 

The president of the club, Bernard Stone gave a synopsis of Rotary locally and internationally and thanked the nominees, their schools, parents and guardians for taking part in this year’s awards.

Runner-up for aged 16 and above was given to Aysha Iqbal, Oldham Sixth Form College and special awards were given to Daniel Ferris from Hathershaw College and also to Joshua Tindall from Oldham Sixth Form College.

President Bernard said he was "proud to be involved in the awards" and was "amazed at the continued high standards of nominations and the wide variety of service being shown by students".

The club said the nominations reflected the ability and determination of young people to overcome the challenges presented to them and set examples of fortitude and leadership.

They also said it highlighted the needs of young people, communities and families. 

The students were nominated for a variety of reasons including overcoming  physical challenges which may have prevented participation in sport but determination has led them to play their chosen sport at a high level.

Another reason was showing "unfailing" commitment to school and community through many projects aimed at helping others.

One student said that "impacting positively on someone’s life brings a sense of fulfilment", this led to volunteering over a number of years at the Royal Oldham Hospital and Dr Kershaw's Hospice.

Another has helped others to access computers and this led to the establishment of a community interest company to continue the good work.

Cllr Moore said that he was "delighted" to be able to be present at the awards.

He added that he was "proud" to be associated with the awards and reminded all present that the accolade seeks to recognise the outstanding contribution young people give to their school, to our community and to family.