Inspiring student wins prestigious Diana Award

A selfless student from Redbridge College has received a prestigious Diana Award at a national awards ceremony.

Lavinia Scott, 17, was nominated for her tireless voluntary work – she is a young carer and also gives up her time to help out at Barnardo’s, Redbridge Youth Opportunity Fund and work with disabled children.

The ceremony took place on 15 December at Canary Wharf, where Lavinia was presented with a silver lapel pin and a certificate signed by Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

Dawn Butler MP, Minister for Youth Citizens and Youth Engagement, was also in attendance, while entertainment was provided by the Windrush Primary School Choir.

She said, “My mum called me as soon as the congratulations letter arrived, and read it down the phone to me. Afterwards, she was singing ‘Congratulations’ to me – she was very happy.

“When they read out my name at the awards ceremony and I was walking to the front to get my award I was just thinking, ‘Oh wow!’ It was really good.

“I love working with young children who come from a disadvantaged background – Barnardo’s won’t be getting rid of me any time soon! I volunteer with 8-12 year-olds, doing art projects, which I enjoy. I would like to work as an art therapist when I finish studying.

“Barnardo’s work to give disadvantaged children a future – for so long, those with learning difficulties and disabilities have been rejected and pushed aside because they’re not perfect. People should be friends with anyone, regardless of race, ability and culture.”

Martin Narey, Chief Executive of Barnardo’s and Chair of the Corporation at Redbridge College, said, “I would like to send my wholehearted congratulations to Lavinia for this well deserved award. Volunteering can be hugely rewarding, and giving time is one of the most valuable gifts you can give – so on behalf of all of the young people that Lavinia volunteers with I would like to say a huge thank-you.”

The Diana Award gives recognition to outstanding young people aged 12-18 who make selfless contributions to their communities and invest a huge amount of energy and compassion to improve the lives of others.

Lavinia is studying on the BTEC National Diploma in Graphic Design at the college. Yamena Farkhani, division manager for that curriculum area, said, “Lavinia has made a sustained, selfless contribution to her community and is also a model student who shows enthusiasm in everything she does. The Diana Award is a fitting recognition of her hard work.”