ROTARY CLUB OF PRESENTS THE 30th COURAGE AWARDS Tuesday 2nd March 2021, via Zoom

Sponsored by Welcome to Mansfield Rotary Club’s Courage Awards Mansfield Rotary Club is one of more than 34,000 clubs in more than 200 countries, which form Rotary International, the largest Service organisation in the world. Our motto is ‘Service Above Self’. Through our Community Service committee we have made a big contribution to Help for the Homeless, supporting six charities dedicated to this and helping to get a number of rough sleepers off the streets, particularly at Christmas. Additionally we have supported the Alzheimer’s Society and contributed to a Memory Cafe as well as helping a number of individuals with their personal needs. The International Committee has supplied aqua boxes, which turn polluted and dirty water into safe drinking water, and shelter boxes that, as the name suggests, provides a tent, bedding and home essentials for The first national mutual families made homeless in natural disasters, which unfortunately these days are happening all too frequently. One of our own special projects is collecting used artificial limbs from for staff absence hospitals in our region and shipping them to a centre in East Africa, where they are serviced and fitted to limbless survivors of landmines. Rotary International’s own charity, the Rotary Foundation, supports protection. humanitarian projects, large and small, throughout the world. The current major project, in partnership with the World Health Organisation and the Bill Gates Foundation, is to eradicate polio throughout the world. We are By schools, for schools. nearly there! Our Youth Services committee has selected Young Chefs from our area to proceed to Rotary’s regional and national events and also supported a youth football club towards a national final. We haven’t won either yet, but we will! Every year we stage our very successful Junior Showtime, which enables young people to demonstrate their talents and to get a feeling for performing in public. The wealth of talent in the Mansfield area is immense and we should be very proud of them. Some have gone on to wider fame and we wish them all continuing success. It is a privilege for Mansfield Rotary Club to present the Courage Awards, which reflect our own motto of Service Above Self. www.educationmutual.co.uk We hope you all enjoy the event, despite the changed circumstances and that you are impressed with these young people and are moved by their stories. We doubt there will be a dry eye on screen. Kate Allsop, President, Mansfield Rotary Club LEONI BRAGG ()

Brave Leoni has shown admirable resilience and determination as she copes with undergoing chemotherapy as well as the isolating pressures of the coronavirus pandemic. Leoni, 14, of Mansfield Woodhouse, is a student at the Meden School, . She hopes to one day move into a career in criminal law — and be healthy! Charlotte Wild, Leoni’s head of year at the school, explained: “Leoni is currently undergoing chemotherapy, but her resilience and determination throughout has been admirable. “Not only is she having to deal with the pressures of the current pandemic, but she is also battling with her health. It is a worrying and isolating time for Leoni but, as I say, her resilience and braveness has shone through. “She loves music, listening to and following her favourite artist, Billie Eillish. “She’s a great artist and loves freehand drawing (on her iPad and paper) and recreating drawings of people in various genres. “She also loves doing make-up. It is mostly on herself these days, to take pictures of for social media or just experimenting etc.” Leoni, whose favourite song is Copycat, by Billie Eilish, says the subject she enjoys most at school is English “because there’s more freedom with answers to things, you can interpret things in your own way and are able to use imagination and more in-depth thought in what you’re saying.” Rotary Club of Mansfield Mansfield, Ashfield and Warsop Phone: 01623 706540 www. the original GOOD news local paper Email: [email protected] news- Web: www.mansfieldrotary.org.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/RotaryClubofMansfield Don’t miss out... journal Twitter: @MansfieldRotary Read the latest edition on our website now .co.uk ANNABELLE PYE (West College)

Annabelle has overcome deafness and an operation to be fitted with cochlear implants to thrive in her cookery studies at West Nottinghamshire College — and now has an ambition to own a baking business. Tutors say the 17-year-old, of Forest Town, has never let her hearing impairment become a barrier to learning and she is on track to successfully complete her NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Professional Cookery. Through Annabelle’s determination and confidence, her support workers at the college have now taken more of a reduced role in lessons, allowing her to be more independent and ‘employment-ready’. Chef tutor Mark Jones said during her first year at the college, studying Level 2 Professional Cookery, Annabelle relied on the assistance of a communication support worker for the deaf in both her theory and practical sessions, and also a Roger Pen microphone and receivers. Annabelle also suffered from intermittent ear infections that affected her hearing, wearing of her aids and her college attendance, but she always kept in touch and caught up with tasks and coursework. During the first coronavirus lockdown, Annabelle continued submitting work, though clearly affected by the move from working in college to remote learning, and went on to achieve a Merit grade in her level 2 course. Mark explained how the student hit the ground running on returning to college in September to study for her level 3 programme. With a new-found confidence and independent initiative, she broached with her support worker the subject of face masks hindering communication within the kitchen environment. This resulted in the use of see-through visors by all of her peers, allowing Annabelle to communicate independently without the need of a support worker’s intervention. She also ‘nagged’ her tutor for extra sessions to try to complete as many assessments as possible before a planned cochlear implant operation in October — a life-changing moment. During a brief period of recuperation from the major operation, she kept in contact with her group via Microsoft Teams and returned to college within weeks of the procedure. It was a new way of hearing for Annabelle and there have been difficulties and pleasant surprises along the way, added Mark. She has continued to be helped by communication support workers and had weekly one-to-one sessions to work through course-specific vocabulary with a focus on sounds Annabelle could hear with her cochlear implants. Now, thanks to the teenager’s determination, those support workers have been able to take a reduced role in lessons. Annabelle, who enjoys bike riding as well as baking and cooking, said she loves every aspect of cookery and learns lots every day on her course. COREY ROOT (A Place To Call Our Own, APTCOO)

Teenager Corey has been praised for overcoming an unfair share of challenges to progress in his studies, grow in confidence and help others. Corey, 17, of Church Warsop, has been nominated by Carol Burkitt, chief executive of APTCOO, who described him as an intelligent and creative young man. “Over the last two years Corey has worked incredibly hard to overcome an unfair share of personal experiences and challenges, supported by his loving grandparents and the APTCOO environment,” she said. “Corey has made significant progress in his studies at school and in the last two academic terms achieved accreditation in maths and English, in particular his English reading comprehension examination. “Corey is a valued member of APTCOO. He has grown in confidence over the last term and has risen to volunteering tasks every Friday with enthusiasm and commitment. “Corey also demonstrates a maturity around younger learners and takes a lead role in forest school activities.” Forest school is the teenager’s favourite subject because he loves the connection with Nature and thrives being in the great outdoors. He loves singing, animal care, photography, natural studies, woodwork and playing video games. His favourite music is Heavy Metal and his favourite track is Nero Fort by Slipknot Corey said he would like to be a teacher, supporting young people — facing similar challenges to those he has experienced — to become happy and safe in their local community. Carol added: “Corey is a role model to all of us and, in particular, the young people at APTCOO, who respect, value and aspire to Corey’s trendy looks and infectious personality. “It has been a real privilege to see Corey work through his anxieties and start achieving on a scale none of us could have imagined.” RACHEL TWEEDIE (Portland College)

Rachel has been at Portland College for three years and in this time she has made significant progress, not only with her studies but on a personal level also. Rachel, 22, had to isolate from March 2020 and from then she was dedicated to engaging with her college work through emails, TEAMs and phone calls. Rachel, of New Mills, worked closely with her sports tutor, Anna, and her progression tutor, Joanne Shewen–Parkes, to make sure she completed everything required for a very successful year. She worked tirelessly every week to complete all her work towards her qualifications. Joanne said: “This was not always easy for Rachel and we did have periods of time when she really struggled, not necessarily with the work but the whole situation — being at home, isolated from her friends and away from her second home of Portland. “We continued to support Rachel and, with help from the IAGT and OT team, we managed to get Rachel through. As a result she passed everything she set out to at the beginning of the year — a huge achievement! “From being back in September it has been one positive after another, so Covid-19 has certainly done Rachel no harm. “Rachel was due to also start a supported internship at Fountaindale School, but this has not been able to continue, so we have now had Rachel supporting Portland’s learners as a Learning Support Assistant. “Rachel has been supporting learners from a different journey to her and she has really taken the role seriously. The feedback I have been receiving from tutors and other learning support assistants has been fantastic. “Finally, her sports leaders level 3 has been externally verified and to say they were impressed is an understatement. She has now been offered the chance to participate in and experience some teaching training courses. 01623 782 783 “Sheer determination and a positive outlook on the whole Covid-19/ www.hopkins-solicitors.co.uk blended learning experience has paid off for Rachel.” Rachel likes to listen to pop music and enjoys the latest chart music, saying listening to music when she is working as it helps her to concentrate. A keen swimmer, she represented Great Britain in the UK Sports Proud to Association (UKSA) team at the Inas European Summer Games in Paris. She also likes to keep fit by riding her bike, spinning and has started the Support couch to 5k challenge. Rachel, who also likes to go shopping, cooking and baking, rides horses and supports her local riding for the disabled stables. Rotary Club of Mansfield’s She would love to be a sports coach or a swimming tutor, working with 30th Annual Courage Awards children and young adults with disabilities. Eventually Rachel aims to live as independently as possibly in her own flat. ADAM HOOLEY ABIGAIL CROSS (Reach Learning Disability) (Meden School)

Adam, 32, was nominated because of Determined Abigail Cross has not let his positive outlook on life and how some of the tough times she has faced in he is still coping during the Covid-19 her life stop her from giving everything lockdowns and restrictions. to her learning. In fact, during the first lockdown he In fact, the personable 13-year-old’s featured in a Reach film to demonstrate resilience and amazing attitude to her how lockdown was affecting people with learning score means she is within the learning disabilities — the film can top 2% at Meden School, Warsop. be viewed here, www.youtube.com/ Abigail, who likes Japanese music, has watch?v=viqc7_cWNkk&t=2s. been nominated by Matthew Hamer, Adam, of Sutton, was nominated by Head of Year at Meden School. Maria Williams, day centre manager at He said: “Abi is a personable young Reach Learning Disability. lady who is full of character. “Adam is an example to us all! He “She is a well-liked member of our always endeavours to be positive and see school community, by both staff and the good in everything and everybody.” students alike. This is due to her kind and approachable nature. she said. “She has had a some very tough times in her life, but has never used it as “In 2020 when we went into the first an excuse and has shown incredible resilience and determination whilst lockdown it was a very confusing time for him and he was isolated from all showing amazing attitude towards her learning. his friends and family. “Her attitude towards her learning score sets her within top 2% of the “This made it quite a challenging time for him and his mental wellbeing.” whole school.” Maria explained that Adam is a very social individual and found it Abigail is a keen ice-skater and currently enjoys having lessons. difficult not seeing all his family and friends and the lack of his usual routine. She said her favourite subject at school is maths because she can see she is making lots of progress at the moment. However, he managed to work through the difficult times with the support of his dad and Reach, and still managed to keep his sunny disposition. When he could he attended a gym and adopted a healthy mind, healthy body mentality. He also walked around his local park once or twice per day. Maria added: “Adam has faced many challenges in his past, which has shaped him to be a kind non-judgemental person.” Mansfield, Ashfield and Warsop www. Adam enjoys jujitsu, lifting weights and walking as well as mixing music the original GOOD news local paper on EJ, computer games and chatting to friends. news- He would like to gain his black belt in jujitsu and go on to teach other Don’t miss out... adults with a learning disability. journal He said: “Reach are friendly, helpful and they understand people’s Subscribe to our free conditions.” weekly E-news digest. .co.uk OWEN BROWN (Portland College)

When Owen initially started his learner journey at Portland College he was a very anxious young man, who struggled massively with being in a new setting with new people and navigating around the sometimes very busy campus. Owen, 18, of Sutton, has always battled with his feelings and emotions, but since joining Portland College he has fully embraced exploring and accepting those feelings, and worked hard to seek and utilise regulation techniques to enable him to feel safe and comfortable within the setting. This was challenged recently when Owen contracted Covid-19. As a young man who has always followed very strict and ritualistic hygiene and safety practices, this unfortunate situation could have potentially had a catastrophic impact on his wellbeing and confidence in accessing education and interacting with persons outside of the safety of his home. Jennifer Clapham, tutor, said: “However, Owen has astounded us with his strength and resilience in being able to return to college with very minimal adjustments, “He really has shown that with focus and determination you can challenge your fears and continue on your path to achieve your dreams and aspirations. “He is an inspiration to us all and I am very excited to see what the future has in store for him at Portland College and beyond.” Owen is interested in a architecture, art, drawing and loves spending time with his family. He enjoys all of his subjects at college, but shows a passion and flair for art in particular, which is linked to his love of design and architecture and artistic flair. In the future, Owen would like to work in the architecture or design industry and the college is confident that he will achieve these aspirations. DAISY-MARIE STANLEY (The Beech )

Brave Daisy, 16, has been described as kind and caring — and the perfect role model for other students. Daisy, of Blidworth, attends The Beech Academy and the head of school, Neil Davies, said of her ambition to be teaching assistant in the future: “What an amazing one she would make too.” Neil described how Daisy suffers in many ways each day yet always manages to attend school and try her very best, showing nothing but ambition. “She is the perfect role model for other students,” he explained. “Daisy is kind and caring and is the most wonderful friend to those closest to her, being inclusive to each and every student in the school. “Daisy deserves to be nominated because she works through the pain barrier daily and shows nothing but resilience, day in, day out.” The teenager suffers with her mobility, has epilepsy and is visually impaired. But these things don’t stop Daisy as she endeavours to achieve the very best and make all those around her extremely proud of her. At The Beech Academy, Daisy particularly likes food technology lessons and experimenting with food — and often takes her recipes and ideas home to cook for her family. Rain or Shine, we’ve got you covered! Daisy’s favourite music is by boy bands BTS and TXT and she enjoys music, colouring and diamond painting. If you’re looking for a stunning pop up marquee that’s built to last, we’re here to help. Contact our team for a no obligation free 3D visual to see how stunning your branding would look on one of our marquees.

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Determined Connor, 15, is an inspiration Twelve-year-old James has been praised to others and lives life to the full, despite by all at R.E.A.L. Education for the way he his visual impairment. has overcome the loss of his mum, moving to a new area and home, starting a new Maria Fletcher, from Samworth Church school and also overcoming the difficulties Academy, said Connor is always willing caused by four periods of isolation due to to try anything new and does not let Covid-19 rules. anything hold him back. Until June last year James lived with his He is learning Braille at his own request mum, her partner, two siblings and a half and is thinking about his future and sibling in Skegness, when his mum sadly working towards it. passed away. Popular with his peers, Connor has a Following her death, he moved in with great dry sense of humour and copes with his dad, Aaron, and step mum, Shannon, along with his two siblings and their other his additional needs without demands or two children. All seven of them live in one avoidance. three-bedroomed house, where they have Maria said: “He is an example and created a fourth bedroom downstairs to inspiration to others, not just fellow give the children the space they all need. pupils. James also has additional needs, which “He is considerate of others and are supported through the use of an supportive of the needs of others — and copes with his additional needs EHCP (Education Health and Care Plan). He can get very anxious and has historically exhibited anxiety-related behaviours when upset or worried without demands or avoidance.” about something. Change can have a big impact on his well-being and he Connor, who lives in Mansfield, says his favourite song is Chasing Cars has an incredibly low self-esteem. by Snow Patrol. Having previously found school a challenging place to be, James joined the He enjoys golf and politics and his favourite subject at school is Spanish R.E.A.L. school roll in September. Head of schools Nikki Purcell explained: because “it is interesting, challenging and will be useful to me when I “He did not know anyone at all within our school community. Within four become an adult.” weeks he had engaged in a full time timetable and his attendance was 100%. In the future Connor hopes to attend Oxford or Cambridge university to “He coped with meeting lots of new staff, lots of new learners and visiting lots of new buildings. His behaviour was impeccable and his attitude study a degree in international relations and then pursue a career, either towards his timetable fantastic. in the Civil Service or in politics. “He has shown kindness to his peers and is very helpful. He has engaged fully in his sessions and remained positive. This is incredible, considering he has had four periods of isolation due to either exhibiting Covid-19 symptoms Mansfield, Ashfield and Warsop www. himself, or having spent time near someone who has tested positive. the original GOOD news local paper “For most children one period of isolation can be very upsetting, but to cope news- with four is incredible, especially after the loss of a parent. He has never complained, his attendance for his face-to-face sessions has been 100% and he Don’t miss out... journal has engaged in most of the remote learning tasks we have sent without fuss.” Subscribe to our free James’s family have also been praised for remaining positive, despite the weekly E-news digest. .co.uk four periods of isolation. Nikki added: “All of them deserve this nomination for their resilience in extreme circumstances.” JOSHUA STEAD (The )

Courageous Josh has been described as a pillar of strength and an inspiration for the way he has tackled the diagnosis of a brain tumour and subsequent surgery with a can-do attitude. In fact, his adventurous spirit has led to the “warrior” twice appearing on the Chris Evans Breakfast Show on Virgin Radio — while receiving surgery and on - Your local garage door, gates and security products supplier his first day back at school. - Family run since 1968 - Mansfield based showroom with over 30 doors on display It was towards the end of 2020, and - Unrivalled knowledge in the industry what was already a traumatic year for - Excellent reputaaon many people, when Josh, 12, underwent - Factory trained engineers brain surgery at Nottingham’s Queen’s - Extensive spares department Medical Centre to have the tumour removed shortly after diagnosis. Give us a call on 01623 621999 or visit our Mansfield Showroom: Throughout his recovery, Josh continued MGD Group House, Great Central Road, Mansfield, Noos NG18 2RJ to learn from home and was eager to return to school. He made a brief return www.mansfieldgaragedoors.co.uk and was really happy to be back at The Joseph Whitaker School in with all his friends in Year 7. However, just before the Christmas holidays Josh was admitted to hospital again after becoming unwell. Surgeons decided that further operations were needed and Josh went into theatre once more to have the rest of the tumour removed. Nathan Moore, head of Rufford House at the school, said: “Since then, Josh has been a pillar of strength and an inspiration. He has worked from home to fully engage with online learning —­­ even supporting one of his close friends through what would be a tough time for any young person. “Not only this, but Josh has taken steps to involve himself in the wider life of the school, recently winning our Lockdown Media Studies Interhouse competition. We are all incredibly proud of Josh, not only for the courage he has shown, but for all he has achieved under these very difficult circumstances.” An avid rugby player, he has captained his team and has ambitions to be a professional rugby player. Josh also plays dodgeball and was selected to represent his team in a tournament, while as a keen all-round sportsman he enjoys cricket and cycling as well. Josh has a passion for cars and a lifelong ambition to drive a truck and meet Freddie Flintoff. He also loves the outdoors and beach holidays. A caring brother to two younger siblings, his favourite subjects at school are PE and science. THIS YEAR’S NOMINEES

Meden School - Leoni Bragg West Nottinghamshire College - Annabelle Pye A Place To Call Our Own - Corey Root Portland College - Rachel Tweedie Reach Learning Disability - Adam Hooley Meden School - Abigail Cross Portland College - Owen Brown The Beech Academy - Daisy-Marie Stanley Samworth Church Academy - Connor Summerell R.E.A.L. Education - James Slaney The Joseph Whitaker School - Joshua Stead