Archbishop of York presents first Young Leaders Awards (From York Press)

Archbishop of York presents first Young Leaders Awards

7:49am Thursday 19th July 2012 in News By Haydn Lewis, haydn.lewis@thepress.co.uk

YOUNG people who are committed to improving their communities have been praised for their efforts by the Archbishop of York .

Dr John Sentamu has presented the first of his Young Leaders Awards to York students, with 190 badges and certificates going to Year Eight students from Manor CE Academy who have completed the awards, run by the Archbishop of York Youth Trust.

Their work included community action projects such as a local bus project and litter picking, as well as fundraising cake sales and writing Year Seven guidebooks.

Dr Sentamu said: “It is a joy to hear about the work that these young people have done in this community.

“They are an inspiration to us all. This is just the start of the journey. Thousands of other students across the north of England will be graduating from the Young Leaders Award soon.

“I know that together these young people can set the example in changing our communities for the better. These young people have looked specifically at what they could do individually to serve others and bring hope to people’s lives.”

Manor principal Brian Crosby said: “I have witnessed stunning work from boys and girls researching amazing individuals such as Elizabeth Fry and William Wilberforce. Through the Young Leaders Award, The Archbishop of York Youth Trust will impact on every single student in the school and develop a generation of young people committed to making their communities fairer and better places to live.”

Luke Mulligan, one of the Year Eight pupils, said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed the Young Leaders Award and would recommend it to anyone.

“It’s benefited me greatly and has helped me to understand different people’s beliefs and opinions.

“The award has also helped me to think about jobs in the future because it has taught me to stand up for what I believe in and has helped me think that I can do anything I set my mind to.”