Two Derwen College students, Louise and Jonathan, have been honoured at the High Sheriff of Shropshire’s Outstanding Young Citizen Awards, which celebrate young people who make an exceptional contribution to their communities.
The celebration was held at Shrewsbury College and attended by His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Shropshire, Anna Turner, alongside High Sheriff of Shropshire Jane Trowbridge JP, who presented certificates and medals.
Louise, from near Oswestry, attended with her parents, Jo and Rod Evans.
Dad Rod said: “We are so proud of Louise. She has come a long way since being at Derwen College – they are definitely working their magic with her. It was a proud moment to see her recognised and receive a certificate and medal.”
“It was brilliant to see the video playing behind Louise, including photos of her meeting HRH Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, during his visit to the College, and of her taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award,” he added.
Louise said: “I was so surprised to receive the invitation letter. I took it home and my parents were so proud. I love doing things for the College, including securing a donation of tools for the Horticulture department. The High Sheriff said the award was well deserved and that I was ‘incredible’. Everyone loved the photos of me with HRH.”
Louise, 18, is a second-year day student on Derwen College’s Horticulture pathway and represents her peers as Student Council secretary. She will be one of four Student Council speakers at the national disability show Naidex this month and is building independence through travel training, learning to drive and completing her Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. She recently secured a donation of garden tools from Greenmans Tools after speaking with the company’s directors at Gardeners’ World Live.
Student Council President Jonathan
Jonathan, who is Derwen College’s Student Council President, attended with friend CJ as his guest.
He said: “It was a lovely event, and I was proud to be nominated and to receive a certificate and medal.”
Jonathan, 21, is a Retail & Enterprise student in his third year at Derwen College and is serving his second year as Student Council President. He has supported Student Council work promoting accessibility in shops and businesses for Purple Tuesday, and with the Gobowen Speedwatch group. He also mentors peers in Independent Living Skills sessions and has led charity fundraising initiatives.
The awards event marked the end of Jane Trowbridge’s time as High Sheriff, during which Derwen College supported her Youth Awareness Day and welcomed her to its 2025 Graduation at Lion Quays, Oswestry.