Shrewsbury Colleges Group Student scoops Shropshire Shield in the 2020 High Sheriff Awards

A Shrewsbury Colleges Group student scooped the Shropshire shield at the 15^th annual High Sheriff of Shropshire Young Citizenship Awards.

The awards which were held last week, celebrate the exceptional young people who are helping others or overcoming adversity.

The event showcases the many actions carried out by young people within school and the wider community, and how they have gained the skills to cope with life’s challenges.

This year, 65 young people from across the county were nominated by schools and youth organisations and current High Sherriff for Shropshire, Dr JJ Dixey, chose two overall winners for Shropshire, and also the borough of Telford & Wrekin from the nominees.

Parents, guardians and teachers joined the nominees during the evening’s award ceremony - all those nominated received a certificate from the High Sheriff.

Saskia Mills, 18, from Shrewsbury, was one of the winners and also scooped the overall Shropshire Shield for Young Citizen of the Year.

Saskia, previously of Meole Brace School, is studying Level 2 in Supporting Teaching and Learning having already completed a Level 2 Childcare Course.

Her teacher, Sturcha Wynn, nominated her and said: “Saskia motivates and brings the class together in collaborating on planning and carrying out charity events.

“These have included raising money for Hope House and British Heart Foundation. Saskia has also impressively organised and taken part in a 10 mile walk to raise money for Lupus UK.

“During mental health awareness week, Saskia organised a collection for a classmate who was going through a difficult time.

“Saskia is visiting an elderly lady twice a week to keep her company and check if she needs anything. Since passing her driving test she takes the lady out for a drive as well as helping her with housework.”

On her award win, Saskia said: “I was really surprised to win this award, but very pleased obviously. I am very happy to support my classmates and people in the wider community. Doing charity work is something I have always done and always will do every year.

“I choose charities which are personal to me. I don’t do this for recognition, but it’s very kind that I have been recognised for it. The College is really supportive of my charity work and often helps me with prizes for events.”

Catherine Armstrong, SCG Group Vice Principal, said: “The High Sheriff Awards evening is always a lovely event, it’s great to see and hear how much the young people of Shropshire do for their local and wider communities. I am delighted that Saskia’s efforts have been recognised and wish her well in her future activities.”

Heather Collett, 27 from Craven Arms, also received a High Sherriff Award. Heather is currently studying the same course as Saskia and her Childcare Teacher, Teresa Spiers, said: “Last year Heather was studying the CACHE Level 1 Diploma in Health, Social Care and Children and Young People settings. As part of the course, she completed 2 weeks of work experience which then gave her the motivation to volunteer. 

“In College, she has progressed to Level 2 Supporting Teaching and Learning where she has a placement but this has not stopped her volunteering. She volunteers at Craven Arms Severn Hospice Shop.

“She attends after her work placement on a Wednesday and a Friday plus a Saturday. In the shop, she takes part in all activities from cleaning to sorting out items and then pricing them and scanning barcodes at the till. The employability and life skills she is gaining also support her course in College.”