Do you know someone who has gone the extra mile - whose personal courage, care for others, achievement or contribution to the community should be recognised and celebrated? If so, why not nominate them for a Wolverhampton Young Citizen of the Year Award?
There are awards for those aged 13-18 and 19-25 for those young people that deserve recognition for their service to others.
Nominations may be made by family members, friends, teachers, youth leaders and other professionals, employers or anyone who has recognised the achievements of the young person in question.
The awards will be made to young people between the ages of 13 and 18 and between 19 and 25 who live, study or work within the Wolverhampton boundary.
Nominate nowThis award is dedicated to Tom Warren, the city and the movement he served with distinction.
Tom was a Wolverhampton Rotarian and served as Director of Education for 25 years. He retired from that post in 1945, to become only the second Briton ever to lead Rotary International throughout the world. In doing so he became one of a small group of Rotarians involved in the groundwork which lead to the formation of the United Nations.
Devised and organised by the Rotary Clubs of:
And with support from the following patrons:
Find out some more information about how to apply and hear from our previous winners.
Awards chairman Roger Timbrell and Mayor Linda Leach with finalists and winners. Front are winners: Sienna Ahir, Jude Aston, Sachi Bhambra, and back are finalists: Reon Abrams, Ouskh Dampha, Ellis Lees-Griffiths, Oluwatimilehin James, Hannah Spedding, Kamara Brown and Shawna Gibbs
Ten Wulfrinian youngsters have been recognised for their outstanding contributions to the community at this year's fantastically wonderful awards ceremony.
Hosted by the Mayor of Wolverhampton, Councillor Linda Leach, the event – held at the Chancellors Hall, University of Wolverhampton, was attended by 140 people including the finalists, their guests and representatives of the Rotary Clubs and their main sponsors, Collins Aerospace, as well as many other sponsors. The event this year was presented by Rotarian Roger Timbrell, chairman of the awards and judges, assisted by vice chairman, Mel Eves.
Among this year's finalists was the inspirational Jude Ashton, from the 18 -25 age group, who was nominated by New Cross Hospital children's ward paediatric matron Miss Sarah Lewis. Jude was born with cerebral palsy and throughout his childhood spent much of his time in the hospital.
Five years ago, he underwent an operation to aid with his mobility, however, after experiencing chronic pain and spasms, took the brave decision to have his leg amputated. With a passion for sports, but unable to play many, Jude, who was a student at Highfields School at the time, decided to become a sports journalist, running a school TV station and reporting on school matches.
The youngster also held interviews with famous people from the sporting world while also attending local primary schools and special schools to give motivational and inspirational talks. Jude also raised a large sum of money to help develop a play area at the New Cross Hospital children's ward.
Talking at the event, Sureena Brackenridge, Labour MP for Wolverhampton North East, said: "It's an absolute joy to be here today witnessing this amazing event. This is such a great venue to hold this event in too."
Also receiving awards this year are Reon Abrams, Sienna Ahir, Sachi Bhambra, Kamara Brown, Ouskh Dampha, Shawna Gibbs, Ellis Lee-Griffiths, Oluwatimilehin James and Hannah Spedding.
Ouskh Dampha, A student at Heath Park School, made a long and arduous journey from The Gambia to the UK alone after the tragic passing of both of his parents.
On the journey, Ouskh faced many challenges, escaping danger and tragedy. In July 2023, Oushk arrived in the UK, joining Heath Park School. English wasn't Ouskh's first language, yet in spite of this he showed tremendous drive, ambition and motivation. His positive attitude was called 'infectious', even going on to help fellow classmates and anyone who needs it any chance he gets.
Of the 10 finalists, three wonderful winners were announced.
The 13 to 18 award saw joint winners, with Sienna Ahir and Sachi Bhambra taking home awards for their continued contributions to the Wolverhampton and the wider community.
Jude Ashton was announced as this year's winner for the 19 to 25 award, taking home the prize for the amazing charity work he continues to carry out and the fantastic attitude that he shows.
This will also be the final year that Chairman Roger Timbrell will chair the awards, ending his 10 years of giving out the awards. Chairman Roger Timbrell said: "These young people are wonderful role models for our city's young people. They deserve to be recognised and have their achievements celebrated. It has been a privilege to have been one of the judges and to have led the organising committee for the last 10 years, but it is now time for a change."
He is to be replaced by ex-Wolves player and Rotarian, Mel Eves.
Nominations for the 2025 awards are now open.
Please provide a summary of what it is that you believe makes this young person worthy of nomination for the Wolverhampton Young Citizen Award 2025.
Your nomination should contain:
Please also specify anything that should not be publicised, but which would help the judges make their decision.
The online nomination process is supported by City of Wolverhampton Council.
Nominate now