Community minded Emily wins award

Buy photos » Pershore High School pupil Emily Foster-Phillips (15) holds up her Wychavon Community award. 0713007MMR www.buyphotos247.com

A COMMUNITY minded teenager has become the youngest ever winner of a prestigious award,

Emily Foster-Phillips, who studies at Pershore High School, was crowned the overall winner of the Diamond Jubilee Community Recognition Award which formerly was known as the Wychavon Bursary Award.

At just 15, Emily became the youngest ever recipient of the community award during a special ceremony on Wednesday (February 6) following her nomination from Stoulton Parish Council which said the youngster always thought of others before herself.

Emily's work with St John's Ambulance, assisting in litter picks, walking dogs for elderly neighbours and helping out at Sunday School stood her out above her fellow nominees.

The award aims to recognise individuals or groups who, in the opinion of the community, have given exceptional service to others.

And the refreshed scheme for the awards was agreed to recognise the Diamond Jubilee and celebrate Her Majesty The Queen's 60 years accession to the throne. Nominations came from town and parish councils in the Wychavon district.

Emily collected a cash winning prize of £200 as well as a certificate and a unique trophy which depicts the celebration of the Diamond Jubilee year in the form of The Queen's beloved rose gardens.

Councillor Richard Morris, chairman of Wychavon District Council, said Emily's win was fully deserved.

"It was tremendous to see and recognise so much local talent and community spirit," he said. "If we could all take a leaf out of young Emily’s book we’d certainly feel the benefit in all of our communities.”

Clive Corbett, headteacher of Pershore High School, added: "For Emily to have won this award at such a young age is a fabulous achievement.

"At school Emily is a big community player and, as councillor for Pershore Youth Council, she has played an active role in trying to get more done to increase student's safety when crossing the railway bridge on Station Road."

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