Congratulations to Pacey in Year 11 who earned third place in this year’s The High Sheriff of Lancashire's Young Citizen Award 2019, an award for young people aged 21 and under throughout Lancashire, and who is pictured above receiving it from (left to right) Russell Millhouse, Regional Projects Lead from the University of Central Lancashire (sponsors of the awards), Jo Edwards, Assistant Chief Constable for Lancashire Constabulary, and Tony Attard, The High Sheriff of Lancashire.

Almost three years ago Pacey joined the Volunteer Police Cadets and has attended countless community events such as bike coding, leaflet drops, gala days, as well as helping to fundraise for Trinity Hospice, Blackpool Foodbank, Blackpool Carers and other charities. She has also completed her bronze Duke of Edinburgh award, passing with flying colours. Her newfound confidence has led her to try out for the post of Volunteer Police Cadet Sergeant, and all this while working hard towards her GCSEs.

At the start of Year 11 Pacey applied for, and was given, the role of Vice Captain in school; she represents the school at events, helps out with anti-bullying issues and sits on the newly formed Student Prefect Team Panel.

On certain days, such as the Friday before Remembrance Sunday, school allows cadets and other youth groups, such as scouts, to wear their uniforms and represent their organisation. The positivity and enthusiasm Pacey displays has massively increased the number of students applying to become Volunteer Police Cadets. Around a dozen students now wear their uniform with pride – compared to only one or two a couple of years ago.

The most significant difference Pacey has made recently was on her way home from an evening out with friends - she came across a man who had collapsed in the street with a suspected heart attack. Pacey’s experience and training kicked in as she calmly rang the emergency services before administering first aid while waiting for the ambulance. When the paramedics arrived she had managed to get his heart started again and he was rushed to hospital. Typical of Pacey though, she did not tell people about the incident and school only became aware of her heroics when the parents of a friend she had been with notified them.

Aspire’s PCSO Leigh was delighted to nominate Pacey for the Young Citizen Award saying, “Sometimes Pacey can put too much pressure on herself and it would be great for her to realise what she is doing is amazing. She is a credit to her family, cadet unit, and school community.”

PSCO Leigh also nominated Patrick (Year 11), Matthew (Year 10), and Joshua (Year 9). And although none of these made the final heat, all were awarded a Commended Certificate from the judging panel as their efforts were deemed worthy of recognition.