FEBRUARY’S winner of the Warrington Young Citizen of the Month Award has been named as 18-year-old Jonathan Scotland.
Jonathan, a Woolston High School 6th form student and head boy,
received his award at a special presentation ceremony from Mayor Celia
Jordan.
He was nominated by Sociology and History teacher Sian Leatherbarrow
for his outstanding contributions in attempting to save Woolston High
School from closure and for a continued effort to work in the community.
As head boy at the school, Johnathan has been campaigning to keep the
school open and has even presented petitions to Prime Minister Gordon
Brown.
Outside of school activities he has led numerous charity events and taken part in peer support work.
Sian Leatherbarrow said: “Jonathan really deserves the Young Citizen
Award. He is desperate to improve the image that young people have
within the community and he surely leads by example within Woolston.
“The Mayor came to school and told us about the award and he fitted the
bill perfectly. He will be a massive loss to the school when he leaves.
I said to his parents on parents evening that I hope my boys turn out
like Jonathan. He is so deserving of this award and he is liked by
everyone at the school. He is a really good boy with a really good
heart.”
The Warrington Young Citizen of the Month Award has been running for
three months now and will result in an eventual Warrington Young
Citizen of the Year Award.
Mayor Celia Jordan said: “I’ve heard him speak on two occasions about
Woolston High School and it is clear he is very knowledgeable about the
school. He is doing so many great things for the school and the
community. Jonathan is an outstanding young man as his school and
community will agree. I’m sure he will go on to great things.
“My aim is to redress the balance because the media view of Warrington
does not give a true reflection. There are lots of young people in
Warrington doing good work and we want this award to highlight that.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re a teacher, parent, social worker, sports
coach or grandparent, we want to hear about nominations. I always say I
would rather receive 60 forms instead of six. They are so accessible
and easy to fill in and I really hope this award is something we can
carry on for a long time.”
Jonathan joins the previous two winners Gus Renshaw and Will Judge in a bid to win the grand prize of Young Citizen of the Year.
He commented: “I got called into the head teacher’s office with Ms
Leatherbarrow and couldn’t believe it when I was told. I’m actually
star struck and I’m very grateful for being nominated – it’s come as a
complete surprise.
“I would like to thank the teachers and Helen Jones who have given me
the chance to hopefully make a difference. It’s really great to receive
the award and have my Nana here to support me. My family are always
really supportive.
“I’m 18 and I feel like the world’s my oyster – it’s magic!”