A Telford College student has received a Young Good Citizen Award in recognition of her selfless behaviour and acts of kindness during an overseas trip.
Nicole Stevens, 17, from Shawbirch, is on a level three public uniformed services course at the college, and earned her award for her behaviour during a wartime commemoration visit to Belgium.
She was presented with the award at an event at West Mercia Police’s headquarters, Hindlip Hall.
Nicole, a former Charlton School student, has been part of the scouting movement since the age of six, and is currently an explorer scout with the First Edgmond group.
She explained: “I first had the opportunity to travel to Belgium with scouts in 2014 to commemorate the First World War, and had the same opportunity to return for the same trip in 2018.
“I’d been working with a fellow scout for a while who had a few anger issues, and we hadn’t seen eye-to-eye in the past.
“But I knew he needed some help – someone to take him under their wing, so the group leaders and I sat down with him and worked out a plan to give him the support he needed.
“When we all went to Belgium for the commemoration, we were about to enter an area to lay wreaths, but there was a limit on how many people could go in.
I did not hesitate, and said other people could go instead of me, and I was thrilled when my friend got to go through.
“The group leaders observed what I did, and they nominated me for the Youth Citizenship Award because of my selfless act.
“I was shocked. I thought what I did was what any other person would do in these circumstances when someone needed a bit of help.
She added: “I’m proud of myself, though, and I’m staying with the scout movement to progress into leadership.
“My Telford College course in public uniformed services is helping me learn skills that I use in everyday life.
“After my college course I hope to progress into the Royal Navy as an officer, or into the RAF as a dog handler.”
Archie Walkerdine, Telford College public uniformed services tutor, said: “Nicole is a hard-working and diligent student who always gives her best.
“These are qualities that will hold her in good stead in a career within the uniformed services.”
Speaking at the Young Good Citizen Award presentation, West Mercia chief inspector James Baker said: “Every year, I am inspired to see the incredible lengths young people go to. They are a positive force; and that’s why I feel so passionate about this opportunity to recognise and reward them.
“By celebrating their success, supporting and recognising those who are making a difference, I hope that we can give every young person the motivation to make their mark in society: improving their local area and making the best possible start to adult life.”
The ceremony was run in partnership with the High Sheriffs of Shropshire, Worcestershire and Herefordshire and the West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner.
