16yo pure angel named Top Young Citizen
Published: February 8, 2006
A 16-YEAR-OLD pupil of Morecambe High School described as a ‘pure angel’ has become Lancashire’s Top Young Citizen.
Laura Seymour was presented with the award by the High Sheriff of Lancashire – former England footballer Jimmy Armfield – at a ceremony at Lancashire Constabulary HQ on Thursday, for her outstanding contribution to her local community.
The Young Citizen Awards reward the county’s young heroes who don’t outwardly seek glory, but whose hard work, dedication and grit deserve recognition.
Laura, who was nominated by PC Kath Bromilow, has been heavily involved in school and neighbourhood issues for a number of years.
She takes a major role in the pupil mentoring scheme at Morecambe High School and is described as “an ambassador for young people”.
In March 2005 Laura compered a ‘Stars in their Eyes’ and fashion show event held at the school which resulted in a lot of money being raised and donated to the Tsunami Appeal.
She also voluntarily attends not only the weekly sessions of the Young Persons Crime Prevention Panel but at other times, weekends and after school, giving up her spare time to help organise and work on crime prevention activities.
“I can’t believe I have won this award, it’s absolutely mind-blowing and it means a lot to me,” said Laura.
“I do think there are too many negative stereotypes about young people because there are a lot of people my age who do a lot of good work and to win this award is wonderful.”
PC Kath Bromilow said: “Laura is an amazing character and an inspiration for young people. She is a pure angel and a perfect Young Citizen of the Year.”
Laura’s mum Gail Seymour said: “It was so rewarding to see so many young people recognised for their contribution to the community. There were so many deserving children at the ceremony and I was shocked when she won.
“She does give up a lot of time and she loves working with the police who have been amazingly supportive to her.”
Dozens of nominations were received from across the county for the Young Citizen of the Year, recommending candidates for a range of activities.
Jimmy Armfield said: “This year there have been a number of high quality candidates and it has certainly been an extremely tough decision. A competition like this demonstrates just how many special young citizens we have living here in Lancashire and I congratulate all entrants.”
Other local youngsters who were commended for their work with the community were:
Tim Ramsey Age 15
Tim has been active in raising money for charity on a number of occasions over the last few years. He has organised classical music evenings at St Martin’s College, has been involved in busking for charity in Lancaster and last year his school, which has over 1,000 pupils, raised a total of £20,000 for charity, with Tim raising £1,000 of that total.
Aimie Oldfield Age 16
For the last three years Aimie has regularly attended the Lancaster and Morecambe Youth Council Group which represents the issues and opinions of young people at both local and county government levels of politics. In 2005 Aimie also organised a sponsored walk from Lancaster Royal Infirmary to Morecambe Superbowl in aid of Diabetes UK raising over £200.
Amanda Fitzsimmons Age 17
Amanda has helped the Lancaster District Children’s Integration Group with volunteer support for children and young people who have learning difficulties and/or severe physical disabilities, enabling them to take part in community activities and giving their parents, carers and families valuable respite breaks. She is also a young carer herself, helping her mother and father with her younger sister who has extreme, complex learning needs.
Malcolm Charlton Age 16
Malcolm was highly commended for his volunteer workj every Tuesday evening at the Salvation Army Youth Club. He, along with a small group of other volunteers, run two clubs for approximately 60 children. The club makes an important contribution to reducing teenage crime in a deprived area of Morecambe.
Malcolm has also helped fundraising through car washing and playing the drums in a club talent show.
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