Top prize for ‘outstanding young citizen’ Jordan

A Telford College student who is described as a ‘fantastic role model’ has won a top award for his community work.

Jordan Lee-Haldron was among 18 students from the college honoured at this year’s High Sheriff of Shropshire’s Outstanding Young Citizen Awards.

The 16-year-old received the Borough of Telford & Wrekin shield, as well as the area’s senior winner’s trophy, from High Sheriff of Shropshire, Mandy Thorn.

Jordan, who is profoundly deaf, is on the college’s Prince’s Trust programme which is designed to maximise young people’s chances of moving into employment, education or training.

He said: “Before I came to Telford College I didn’t enjoy my secondary education as much as I would like. Being profoundly deaf, my confidence in speaking and listening was very low.

“I was nervous on my first day in college, but soon got a tutor who signs in British Sign Language, so I can access all the curriculum has to offer.

“I am now feeling more confident within myself, talking in groups, contributing to lessons, making friends and in my learning journey.

“It is amazing, and I love it. I am so excited for my first year in art, and for where the rest of my learning journey will take me in my future.”

For the last 18 months Jordan has also been volunteering as ‘Mawley the Lawley Mole’, a community mascot who attends local events in support of local projects.

He has attended community safety events, festive celebrations, summer festivals, and the King’s Coronation celebration.

He also teaches line dancing with his family at the Lawley Village Line Dance Club, encouraging people from his local area to meet new people, learn a new skills and have lots of fun.

Janet Stephens, Telford College’s deputy chief executive, said: “We are so proud of Jordan, who is a fantastic role model for our younger students – and a great example of what our Prince’s Trust programme can help students of all abilities to achieve.

“It was fabulous to see so many of our students being recognised for their wonderful community work.”

Jonathan Abbott, one of Jordan’s Telford College tutors, added: “Jordan is embracing all aspects of college life, both academic and social, with such enthusiasm.

“He has made huge strides already in his confidence, joining clubs, becoming an independent learner, and is exploring opportunities for further study in art.

“We are so proud of his approach and attitude to learning in this new environment and can’t wait to see where his positive start in further education leads to.”

Other Telford College students who received certificates and pin badges at the awards ceremony included Abigail Azumah, Isobel Barrett, Hamid Bentaleb-Hamchi, Misha Candlin, Elliemay Cave, Dylan Chaplin, Liam Francis, and Caitlin Smith.

There were also certificates and badges for Ella Grainger, Austin Hilton, Elizabeth Jasper, Magenta Tombs, Nathan Lewis, Mikolaj Mandziejewicz, Matilda Smith, Noah Smith, Megan Terry, and Rhys Williams.

And the shield winner for the county of Shropshire was Cameron King of Shropshire Army Cadet Force – a Telford College public uniformed services student who has been appointed an official Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet for 2023-24.

High Sheriff Mandy Thorn said the awards reflected the ‘fantastic and invaluable contribution’ young people had made to improve lives.

“We were delighted to receive so many nominations – all of whom receive a certificate – and the sheer range and scale of the effort they make is a real testament to both them and their peers.

“Shropshire can be rightly proud of each and every one of them. I most certainly am and am delighted that my office can honour them in this way.

“I also want to thank all the families, teachers, volunteers and community leaders who have nominated youngsters so that their amazing contribution can be recognised.”

Pic: Telford college – Jordan Lee-Haldron with High Sheriff of Shropshire, Mandy Thorn