Rotary Awards

On Monday 16th January the Leeds Rotary Club presented their prestigious Young Citizen Awards to 20 young people from schools, colleges, academies and Youth Organisations from across the region.

The ceremony exists to recognise and honour shining examples of what the young people of today are doing for their families, schools, fellow students and communities. Leeds East Academy student Lechelle was honoured with such an award and was presented with a certificate by the Lord Mayor, Cllr Gerry Harper, in addition to books donated by Chef Works Europe Ltd.

Lechelle suffers from Osteogenesis Imperfecta, which was diagnosed when she was 6 months old. She broke several bones when learning how to crawl and walk, which is something she’s had to be mindful of when playing with her friends. She visits the hospital every month for an operation that lasts up to 4 hours, which leaves her weak and in pain but despite this Lechelle has never taken a single day off school.

Lechelle voluntary donates money to the ambulance service because she is aware of all the support she has had for her condition and enjoys being able to give something back. When living in London, Lechelle helped her Mum to raise money for the Family Fund, which is a charity that helps families living in poverty. Again, Lechelle wanted to support others just like she had been supported.

Lechelle faces limitations with her condition and there are things she wishes she could do such as play on a trampoline, however it does not affect her love for dance. She is a valued member of Leeds East Academy's Street Dance Group and has a raw talent for Performing Arts. Lechelle, along with her group, will be competing in a Dance Festival in March, proudly representing the Academy.

Mr Stokes said: "Leeds East Academy is incredibly proud of Lechelle and how she demonstrates our 7 Core Values in everything she does, every day. She is an outstanding role model for the school community, supporting her friends in their learning and personal development. Congratulations Lechelle on your Rotary Award and keep up the outstanding work!"

Lesley Hastings, Chair of Youth Opportunities at Rotary Club of Leeds, adds: "These are just a few examples of the great enterprise and commitment shown by our young people. If you hear people moan on about the vandals and hooligans among the youth of today just remember there are a lot of great youngsters out there doing tremendous work for their schools, colleges, academies and communities and they are our future."