Teen’s top award

Tasha Eccles, 16, a student at Heritage High School in Clowne was nominated for a Diana Award, which celebrates young people who support others and strive to improve their communities.

The award was established in 1999 as a lasting legacy to Diana, Princess of Wales’ belief that young people have the power to change the world.

Tasha is now one of 38,000 inspirational young people to have received the accolade since then.

She plays an active part in the village community in Whitwell, being part of a group that has campaigned for a youth club. She is a Diana Active Campaigner and she sits on the school council at Heritage High, Derbyshire County Council’s youth forum and the UK Youth Parliament.

“We are delighted and proud of Tasha’s achievement. She is a superb role-model for our students, campaigning to improve the lives of other young people,” said Heritage High deputy headteacher Susan Dench. “As an Active Campaigner, she realises the importance of listening to the views of others and standing up for young people.”

“Winning this award has opened other opportunities to Tasha, including membership of The Diana Network where she can take opportunities to volunteer, gain new skills and put these into practice with internships and work placements both in the UK and abroad. She can also get involved in the Anti-Bullying Ambassadors Programme.”

Headteacher Don Spencer said: “Tasha epitomises everything good about that we aspire for in our young people.”

“She is a wonderful example to her peers of what can be achieved through a positive attitude, selfless approach and a desire to work with everyone to achieve the best possible outcomes.”

Tasha herself said she was ‘delighted’ to receive the award and the recognition of her campaigning work to improve services for other youngsters in her school and the wider community.