Youth achievements recognised

Girls swept the board at this year’s student Rotary Awards at Ferndown Upper School, with Lauren Spencer, Natasha Wakelin, Charlotte Durling and Amy Kirkham being recognised for going that extra yard for outstanding achievements.

Lauren Spencer and Natasha Wakelin shared honours for the community service award, having given up their free time to “Become a Befriender” – supporting the less able.

Amy Kirkham picked up the sports award, having used her professional coaching qualification in gymnastics to train children, whilst producing high quality work for her A-levels.  Charlotte Durling collected the Endeavour award, producing degree-standard work whilst participating in an array of other activities, including a Tall Ships voyage and the Duke of Edinburgh gold award.

The winners collected a shield and a cheque for £30. Speaking of the awards, the President of Ferndown Rotary Club, Antonino Perella said: “At a time when youth too often attracts headlines for the wrong reasons, it’s great to be able to show the flip side.

”It’s also gratifying to know that the four we have recognised today were the best from many in the school that were considered for any one of the awards.’‘The four of them are a credit to themselves and to Ferndown Upper School,’ he closed.