Gemma Stapleton of Roundwood Park School is this year’s winner of the Bill Hewetson Memorial Prize and Rotary Young Citizen Award. The awards recognise a young person’s achievements in the spirit of the Rotary motto Service above Self. She is pictured after receiving her awards, a token and certificate, from Rotary in Harpenden President Richard Young.

At an awards dinner Gemma was accompanied by her parents, Ben and Philippa Stapleton, and Fiona Bridgeman, head of year 12 at Roundwood Park School.

An exceptional young woman, Gemma has made a significant impact at her school and in the community. 

Academically, she has found success through diligence and hard work, tempered by outstanding organisational skills and a sense of calm.

Less visible are her real strengths. For many years a member of the Girl Guides movement and now a Ranger, she is using her positive experiences every week as a Brownies leader.

With her musical skills she has led house music and organised hundreds of other performers, while at the same time supporting younger students studying drama.

Gemma is currently working hard for her A levels and plans to study engineering.

The winner of the 2021 awards, Adam Sharp, also of Roundwood Park School, was invited as a guest with his mother Jos Sharp, having received his award last year via Zoom.

Adam is now at Grantham Training College, training as a sports coach.