Eloise Starkey of Roundwood Park School and Aryan Pise of Sir John Lawes School are joint winners of this year’s Bill Hewetson Memorial Prize* and Rotary Young Citizen Award.

The awards recognise a young person’s achievements in the spirit of Rotary’s motto Service above Self and were created by Rotary to counter the negative impact of bad news about young people.

At a dinner to receive and celebrate their awards Eloise was accompanied by her parents, Martyn and Elizabeth Starkey, and Aryan by his parents Amok and Ashanti Pise, along with senior staff from both schools.

Eloise’s achievements, summarised by Viv Tattersall, head of Roundwood’s house system, were sizable, including raising £36,000 for charity. ‘But it is her character, and willingness to give back to the community, inspire and support others with kindness and enthusiasm, that stand out,’ she said.

Dan Thompson, assistant head of sixth form at Sir John Lawes, spoke of Aryan’s dedication to community development and cultural enrichment. ‘His ability to blend performing arts, leadership and social initiatives has significantly impacted his peers and the wider community in Harpenden,’ he added.

Both students thanked Rotary in Harpenden for the awards and their schools for nominating them. Eloise has been accepted to study at the Royal Veterinary College, Aryan at King’s College London to study music.

They are pictured receiving their awards, a token and a certificate, from Rotary in Harpenden President Terry Heritage.

*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, club members and supporters, this memorial prize is Rotary’s way of acknowledging his valued contribution.