A YOUNG person from Coventry received a special award from the Lord Lieutenant for the way they have supported their local community.
Grace Bullman of Finham Park School used a wheelbarrow to drive the streets on site, giving children books and teddy bears.
Following their efforts, Grace and others from the West Midlands were honored with the West Midlands Lieutenancy’s Young Active Citizen Award.
The past year has been particularly difficult for young people struggling with home schooling and lack of daily contact with friends and their broader support groups.
Despite these challenges, many young people – like Grace – have shown remarkable resilience, and some have campaigned to help others in the community who they think are having a harder time than they.
The West Midlands Lieutenancy aims to reward and celebrate people who do extraordinary things to support their community. Each year, individuals and volunteers are recognized through the established Honors System.
Until last year there was no special award for young people who “go the extra mile” to help others, but it was decided to introduce one to recognize the outstanding contribution young people made during the pandemic, and this award Continuing in the years to come highlight the incredible things young people are doing.
The West Midlands Lieutenancy Young Active Citizen Award was launched last fall, and schools across the area were invited to share stories from students they knew were contributing in amazing ways.
Nominations came from across the region, with young people showing care, commitment and passion to help others. Not only did many devote long hours of volunteering, but they also showed initiative and imagination in helping others.
Grace receives a signed certificate from Lieutenant John Crabtree OBE, who welcomes the response. He said;
He said, “We knew young people were doing some fantastic activities to help others, but the new award is an opportunity to see how busy it is and how young people are contributing.
“It is very heartwarming to hear their stories and I am impressed with their ingenuity and the effort they have put into making such a positive contribution to helping others.
“I look forward to meeting many of them later in the year and I am grateful for all of the schools that have helped highlight their efforts for us.”
Out of all 38 nominations, 14 young people were selected to meet the first lieutenant and receive their award at a ceremony later in the year (if restrictions allow).