Adam Sharp of Roundwood Park School has won this year’s Bill Hewetson Memorial Prize and Rotary Young Citizen Award. The awards honour Harpenden teenagers who have been outstanding in reflecting the Rotary motto, Service above Self.

In nominating Adam, the school’s head of Year 13, Rob Mercel, described him as an Incredible young man. At the age of five he was diagnosed with a brain tumour, and four neurological operations resulted in hemiparesis, a weakening of his left side.

Recently, the tumour returned, putting increasing pressure on his brain and making study and everyday living even more challenging.

Yet Adam continues to improve the lives of others. Since year 8 he has taught and encouraged his fellow students to play table tennis at the school’s all-weather tables. When Covid led to school closure he set up a table tennis shadow play on line, which has been enjoyed by people from ages 10 to 70.

As a qualified coach he has encouraged others throughout the pandemic. He has run weekly fitness classes for local karate clubs and provided support and inspiration to all members of the football club.

Adam has also worked with Herts Youth Sports Trust as a Young Athlete Role Model, making a video presentation to be used to encourage disengaged children throughout the county.

The school’s citation concluded: ‘Despite all his talent and skills Adam is a very unassuming young man. He has achieved so much and is so generous helping others. All of which he has done without asking for extra help or bemoaning the challenges he faces.’

Rotary in Harpenden are extremely proud to have him as winner of the Awards.