The Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu invited Young Leaders from Pierrepont Gamston to plant poppies in the grounds of Bishopthorpe Palace to commemorate the centenary of World War One.

5 Young Leaders were formally presented with their certificates and badges for their Young Leaders Award at the Young Leaders Award Conference attended by Head teachers from all over the north.  The Young Leaders Awards are a school-based programme which aims to equip young people with skills to be a force for good in their local communities and encourages active citizenship from a young age.

The Archbishop of York said

“It is fantastic to hear of the community projects that these young people have been working on – they are an inspiration!  It just goes to show that Young People are capable of putting others before themselves and showing great servant leadership.  I am delighted that these leaders have planted the poppies here at Bishopthorpe to make this tribute to the sacrifice of past generations.”

Pierrepont Gamston Head teacher Steve Stafford said

“I am delighted to bring my Young Leaders here today to receive their certificates and be involved in the Poppy planting.  The Young Leaders Awards have done their confidence the world of good and made them realise they are capable of changing things if they put their mind to it".

Grace Oldknow, Head Girl and KS3 Young Leader said

“The Young Leader Award has supported and encouraged me in developing my leadership skills. I have really enjoyed finding out about inspirational Christian leaders who help those who don’t have a voice or often go unseen. It has been great organising many fundraising projects that will impact on those not as fortunate as us.  The Award has shown me that I can be the change I want to see”