Selfless Students Celebrated at Knowsley Community College - 26/03/2010
Knowsley Community College celebrated its annual Citizenship Award Ceremony on Wednesday 24th March. The event recognises students who have contributed to the wider community, often through voluntary work, carried out outside of their College hours. In all twelve students were nominated for the award; six were nominated by other students and six were nominated by College staff. Their contributions ranged from caring for family members to charity fundraising and projects overseas.
The winner for the student nominated award was Gemma Moss, a Sixth Form student who has dedicated much of her spare time to volunteering at Acorn Farm, working with disabled people of all ages. She is also a member of the Red Cross and has now qualified to train other young people in First Aid.
The staff nominated and overall winner was Gillian Verdin, a Health Care student on the College’s Nurse Cadets programme. She was nominated by Learner Transition Manager, Jackie Sumner, for her fundraising activities to finance a trip to Uganda in September. Gillian was selected from the Nurse Cadet’s programme to visit Uganda to help out in an orphanage and play a part in setting up a village by delivering supplies which will allow them to be self-sufficient. Since finding out about the opportunity in December, Gillian has tirelessly organised events which will help her reach the £1000 target.
Commenting on being chosen as the College winner for the Citizenship Award, Gillian said: “It was a surprise to have won, I have really enjoyed all the fundraising activities and I am looking forward to my visit to Uganda. I really like knowing I am helping people and it is great to have received recognition for it. The College has been really supportive and I’d also like to thank my mum who has been making dresses for me to take over to the women in Uganda.” More details about the work Gillian will be carrying out, can be found at www.agapao.co.uk
As the College winner, Gillian is now invited to Liverpool John Moore’s University Foundation for Citizenship Awards Presentation, which will be held in May. Steve Gardner, Assistant Principal for Student Services, who organised the awards said, “This is one of the most enjoyable events that we hold in the College year. It is great to hear about all the fantastic work our students carry out in their spare time and it dispels the sometimes negative myths around young people. Picking a winner was extremely difficult as they all put in so much effort to help others. This is the real good news about young people in our community.”
Photo: Winner Gillian Verdin with Principal Frank Gill
