Winners of the Barnsley Young Champion Awards were announced at a celebration evening at the Metrodome Arena on Friday, June 14. The Barnsley Chronicle teamed up with Barnsley College for the biggest-ever search for its town’s inspiring young people. There were 15 awards in all, with one being awarded to students at ̨Íåswag Academy Shafton.

Winner - Team of the Year: Community
̨Íåswag Academy Shafton's Student Voice programme empowers students to improve their school experience and connect with the community. Students can share ideas and participate in shaping school life. Every term, they organise luncheons for senior citizens, welcoming 80 people and providing entertainment and activities. This programme fosters student development and builds bridges between the school and the community.

̨Íåswag Academy Shafton students also made the final in two other categories. Reece Childs was up for the Young Volunteer Category and George Huntington was a finalist for Young Conqueror.

Sarah Riley, Assistant Principal at the school, said:

“We were already proud to have finalists at the Barnsley Chronicle Young Champion awards, showcasing our inspirational young people, but we were pleasantly surprised to win the Community Team of the Year. 

“Staff work with students to ensure our student-led community events remain a key part of our academy culture including coffee mornings, elderly luncheons, Christmas hampers, Bike Fest and afternoon teas. This is alongside all of the amazing work our students do in the academy to support each other such as Bee Kind Club, Eco Warriors and Student Voice activities. We are always striving to be the best and always wanting to do more; the recognition at the awards evening just shows how much the students are achieving in our care. “

Finalist - Young Volunteer
15-year-old Reece Childs from ̨Íåswag Academy Shafton volunteers with Jolly Good Communities. For two years, he's helped organise and run events, gaining valuable skills like organisation and finance management. Starting with the spring farmers market, Reece's enjoyment keeps him coming back to give back to his community. 

Finalist - Young Conqueror
George Huntington was born with a serious heart condition. At three weeks old, he underwent open-heart surgery to fix it, though due to complications, surgeons left a temporary hole in his heart until they could determine the next steps. Now the ̨Íåswag Academy Shafton student is an active footballer, unwilling to let his heart problems stand in his way.