by Niamh Hughes, Year 12
Recently I was awarded runner up to the Lord Glenamara memorial prize. The prize was introduced in 2012 to celebrate the life and dedication to public service of the late Rt Hon Lord Glenamara CH. Lord Glenamara was an inspirational Secretary of State for Education and Science, and the first former head teacher to hold the post. He served as MP for Newcastle Central from 1951 to 1976, and was the chancellor of Northumbria University from 1983 to 2005.
The criteria for the prize are academic performance, civic contribution and demonstrating an interest in government, politics and history. I was primarily recognised for civic contribution and for my interest in politics, because of my volunteering with North Tyneside Youth Council, and fundraising for various charities.
On 26th February I travelled down to London to the London School of Economics for the ceremony. On the day we got a full tour of the London School of economics, including a buffet lunch and several presentations from students at LSE and the director of the school. Later on in the day was the ceremony hosted by Secretary of State Damien Hinds where we had the opportunity to take photos. It was an amazing day and it was an honour to have even been considered for such an award!
