This year three young people earned the Bill Hewetson Memorial Prize and Young Citizen Award. The prize and award – a token and certificate – recognise special service within the community in keeping with Rotary International’s motto, Service above Self.

Pictured with Rotary in Harpenden President Claire Wright are, from the left, Tegan and Bethan Hancox of Sir John Lawes School and Charlie Soanes of Roundwood Park School.

At an Awards Dinner Charlie was accompanied by her parents, Elaine and Chris Soanes, and Lucy Gallaher and Matt Hunter of Roundwood Park School.

One of Charlie’s distinctive skills is noticing that others may be feeling low or in need of assistance, both in school and the wider community. This had led to her befriending two elderly people, visiting them regularly.

Being highly organised allows Charlie to take on demanding extracurricular activities, such as the role of a Student Advisor on the AQA examination board while participating in the Frontier programme at Oxford University. Yet she still manages to pursue dancing and acting classes and holds down a waitressing job on Sunday evenings.

As Head Girl, Charlie leads the mentoring programme for younger students with home-life problems or learning difficulties. She has also created a Wellbeing hub for students.

A key player in the school’s Climate Action Group, Charlie has chosen to pursue her concern for the environment by reading Geography at university.

The joint Award winners, Bethan and Tegan Hancox were accompanied by their parents Michaela and Andrew Hancox and teachers from Sir John Lawes School, Dan Thompson and Sara Calverly.

Bethan and Tegan have worked tirelessly together, supporting the local community. They have raised money for local charities and delivered Christmas gifts to the elderly. They have volunteered for the Harpenden Hedgehog Hospital and Sanctuary, which they first encountered at the Childwickbury Arts Festival.

They set up a 24-hour trampoline challenge to support the British Heart Foundation.

At Sir John Lawes School they pursue their roles as school prefects proving themselves to be reliable, mature and popular members of the school. They go over and beyond in ensuring they give back, which has been very noticeable over the years.

Bethan and Tegan have both been actively involved in the scouting movement as Young Leaders for Beavers, Cubs and now Elders for Explorers.

Tegan’s interest in photography has been of value to scouting, which will fit in with reading Media Studies at university.

Bethan’s choice for her university degree is Human Geography and the Environment.

Bill Hewetson was a long-time member of Harpenden Village Rotary Club, being actively involved in the area of Rotary and Harpenden Youth. Funded by his family and club members, the memorial prize is Rotary’s way of acknowledging his valued contribution.