Victoria Receives Prestigious Diana Award

Victoria Receives Prestigious Diana Award

7 July 2021

Bolton School Y12 student Victoria Wong has received a prestigious Diana Award. Established in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales, the award is the most impressive accolade a young person aged 9-25 years can receive for their social action or humanitarian work. Young people from around the world are nominated by someone who works with them professionally such as a teacher or youth worker. Nominators submit evidence against five criteria – vision, social impact, youth-led, service journey and inspiring others.

Victoria was nominated by Ms Teichman, Head of Upper School in the Girls’ Division, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to society through her work with St John’s Ambulance, BiteBack2030, as a Youth MP, as a Chair of the AQA student Advisory Group and for her support with the mass vaccination programme.

A delighted Victoria commented: ‘‘I feel immensely proud of myself knowing the hard work I’ve put into my community is being recognised. I also definitely feel a lot more inspired to continue my voluntary work, seeing the other recipients and what an incredible job they’ve all done too.

‘I think I won the award due to the commitment and passion I’ve demonstrated in my community work. In addition, I have insight into many different voluntary sectors, as I carry my work out in all aspects of the community. This includes working in the pandemic response, my local town, youth groups and health charities.

‘As well as pride and gratitude, I now have access to an expansive support network of other young people and the Diana Award staff! We also have access to our own development programme, resources, and opportunities to help further our growth.’

Victoria has helped thousands of members of the public during a mentally exhausting time as part of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout. A crucial part of her role has been checking up on people after they have had their vaccines, answering questions and having conversations with people who have not left their homes since last March; one older lady told her she was the highlight of her day.

The Diana Award team said: “Our judges thought her story was truly inspirational, so a huge well done!’

The virtual ceremony celebrated young change-makers and included words of congratulations and inspiration from Tessy Ojo, Chief Executive of the Diana Award, and from Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex.

This is the longest running award for young people through a retrospective nomination process only. Young people do not work towards the award, rather they demonstrate their suitability through their actions, without any expectation of reward.

Princess Diana had the belief that young people have the power to change the world and it certainly seems that Victoria could well do this!

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