Students from Haverhill and Linton schools recognised for their altruism at Haverhill Rotary Club awards

The outstanding contributions made by students to their schools and communities were recognised at an awards evening this week.

Students from Castle Manor and Samuel Ward academies and Linton Village College (LVC), were presented with Young Citizen Awards from the Rotary Club of Haverhill & District on Monday at Haverhill Golf Club.

Each student was nominated by their school for the annual award.

Castle Manor Academy head teacher, Vanessa Whitcombe, praised its winners, Holly Eden (Year 9) and Mandy Lilley (Yr 11) for epitomising the Rotary Club slogan, ‘service above self’.

Holly, said Mrs Whitcombe, is an ‘absolute leader’ that takes part in school performances and is a ‘passionate advocate’ for equality.

She continued: “It’s just wonderful to be able to say to her thank you for being who you are and for doing what you do for our school.”

Of Mandy, she said: “She is now an absolutely confident contributor to our school, especially around the library where she can be found (volunteering) most lunchtimes.”

Marta Hill, a tutor at LVC, announced that Antonio Blair and twins Richi and Rohan Makwana, were winners of the award.

She said of Antonio’s role as a volunteer youth worker in Sawston and Great Shelford made him a worthy award recipient.

She added: “Not only is he an amazing member of the school but It’s what he does for the youth in their area and our school community. It is something we can all be proud of.”

Richi and Rohan were both absent due to illness, but Mrs Hill said they were being rewarded for their voluntary delivery of food to older people in their village, which began during the Covid pandemic.

Samuel Ward deputy head, Phil Butterworth, said its award winners, Elliot Bruce, from Year 11 and Finley Sisson, of Year 12, played big parts in school life.

He said: “Elliot has played a huge role in performing arts across the school over the last few years,” including mentoring younger students and helping with many productions.

Finley, who is also young carer, was praised by Mr Butterworth for his help supporting younger students with their work, adding: “Finley is a really exceptional student in terms of his attitude and his work ethic.”