First class students rewarded for efforts

TOP marks . . . (back, from left) Ray Coverley (Community Service Chairman and organiser), Nadia Magro-Smart (16+ runner up/ Hulme GS), Neil Taylor (President) and Daisy Hilton (11-15 runner up/ Hulme GS). Front: Jahangir Alom (winner 16+/ Oldham Sixth Form College), Cllr Derek Heffernan (Mayor) and Katie Ball (winner 11-15/ Saddleworth School)

OLDHAM'S stand-out young people have been hailed for their contributions to school, community and family.

The Mayor of Oldham crowned school pupils Katie Ball (16) and Jahangir Alom (18) as the overall winners at the Student of the Year 2017 Awards.

Parents and teachers joined together for a special ceremony yesterday for the 17th annual Rotary Club of Oldham event.

Oldham Sixth Form College pupil Jahangir, who won the 16-plus category, said: "It is unbelievable. I am really grateful for all of the support I have had from college, peers and people at home."

Jahangir has undertaken voluntary work at hospitals, helping patients, in preparation for a future within the health care profession. He has just confirmed his place at Salford University to study physiotherapy.

As Sports Ambassador at the college Jahangir has also visited schools across Oldham, encouraging people with disabilities or special needs into sport.

Saddleworth School pupil Katie, who won the 11 to 16 category, said: "It feels amazing to have achieved this. I know how tough the competition is."

She added: "Ever since I was eight I have organised our school's Key 103 Christmas collection. I have also run charity book sales and non-school uniform days for Children in Need and Sport Relief."

Oldham Hulme Grammar School found double success with pupil Daisy Hilton winning runner-up in the 11 to 16 category and Nadia Magro-Smart winning runner-up in the 16 plus category.

Daisy is a member of the school's anti-bullying association, a netball volunteer and she is also gearing up for a trip to Ghana where she will help at a school. Nadia was nominated for her outstanding school achievements in the face of several health issues. During Year 11, hospitalisation due to illness meant that she could only attend schools for 21 days in the year.

This was followed by heart problems and yet Nadia still attained A grades.