Initiative's impact sees Sam scoop award

A TEENAGE student has won an award after his involvement in a regional self-development scheme which saw him boost his grades as well as bring benefits to his health and home life.

Sam Parton was one of the successful candidates at the 2023 South Yorkshire Police Inspiring Youth Award ceremony at Sheffield's Niagara Sports and Social Club, which saw more than 200 students joining teaching staff to celebrate and several prizes dished out to hard-working youngsters across the county.

Fifteen-year-old Sam got involved in Inspiring Youth, now in its 20th year, after an assembly at Oakwood School with a talk by Boddy Dev and David Turner, project managers of the scheme which is also served by a team of serving and retired police officers and volunteers.

Sam said: “The more I listened and thought about it, the more I thought it might be something that I needed.

“I talked it over with my father and he convinced me that it sounded good and that I should take a leap of faith, as I would never know what I had missed if I did not.”

The initiative is in two parts – level one and two – and provides activities and opportunities to explore a range of topics, designed to encourage pupils to become more informed about school, home life, health, and the world of work.

Sam, one of Oakwood's head pupils , started judo, badminton and table tennis as part of the project.

“If you have a healthy body you will have a healthy mind and fitness can then have an impact on what you're doing at school,” said Sam, who credited the project with improving his grades in several subjects.

“I've also learned to be a better son by making my parents' lives easier and helping with my baby brother, cooking some nights when my mum is looking after him.

“At the end of the first year, I was in a much better place educationally, physically, mentally, emotionally and it all came down to this award – I had the tools to evaluate where I was, what goals I wanted to achieve and ways I could apply myself to make the steps to achieve them.”

Sam won two awards – level one for participation and the second level two shield – at the event attended by dignitaries including South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner Dr Alan Billings and the High Sheriff of South Yorkshire Professor Jaydip Ray.

Special Constable Bobby Dev said: “Sam was a very shy, reserved young man when he first joined our project.

“However, his regular visits to our coaching and mentoring sessions along with his dad has built his confidence.”

Headteacher at Oakwood Chris Eccles said: “It's a great scheme because it teaches young people the importance of self development and improvement and it fits with our school values of respect, responsibility and resilience.

“The young people that take part get a lot out of it and am really proud Sam has been so successful.

“At the awards he was asked to give a speech which he delivered with great confidence and maturity.”