Shining examples of citizenship: 2008 Good Citizen award winners announced

Good citizenship will be celebrated this month as the winners of the annual Good Citizen award are announced. From raising money for charity to mentoring other students to striving to make their school a more environmentally friendly place, the winners are all shining examples of good citizenship in action.

In support of the governmentís continued commitment to the citizenship curriculum, education recruitment specialist Select Education held its third annual national Good Citizen award for secondary schools this month. The awards recognise the UKís most commendable and innovative campaigners and their dedication to helping those around them.

Peter Flannery, managing director, Select Education comments: ìEvery year we are overwhelmed by the level of commitment given by each nominee to being an outstanding citizen, and this year is no exception. Learning how to be a good citizen is essential no matter what colour, creed or race. Who better to demonstrate its importance in todayís society than the next generation?

ìOur award allows schools across the country to praise those students that understand and, more importantly, embrace the importance of citizenship. This year we have again found exemplary pupils who have shown real empathy towards their society and strive to give something back, in some situations against all the odds.î

The overall winner and runners-up were:

Winner: Sana Arif Choudry, Chorlton High School, Manchester

Runner-up: Jenny Roberts, Ringmer Community College, Lewes, East Sussex

Runner-up: Conor Ledger, Kelvin Hall School, Hull

Runner-up: Joanna Bright, Tarporley High School and Sixth Form, Cheshire

The overall winner, Sana Arif Choudry, was commended for her upbeat and positive attitude whilst mentoring fellow students, despite having Osteoid Osteoma (a malignant tumour in the leg). Sana is a member of Chorlton High Schoolís Junior Leader Team and spends much time working alongside teachers and students to help raise attainment in the school.