Royal reception awaits Duke of Edinburgh’s golden girl
AYOUNG pupil is set for a royal reception after a golden year.
Lauren Hayward, 18, from King’s School, in Macclesfield, is celebrating after being the first in the year to achieve the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award.
Because the youngster finished it during the school year she will no go to Buckingham Palace.
And `to cap it all she will receive her award from none other than His Royal Highness Prince William.
Along with all the gold winners in her year, Lauren had to complete an unsupervised 80km hike through the Lake District. The gruelling trek included 1,000 metre ascent each day and wild camping.
As well the challenging expedition there was also a voluntary aspect to the award and Lauren spent the year helping King’s Infant and Junior Department after school club.
She also showed her artistic side and worked on a `long film production course’ for her residential credit.
The teenager then got behind two wheels and learned to drive for her new skill and played goalkeeper for King’s netball team for her physical development.
Lauren said it had been more challenging than she had first though, particularly the expedition, but learned a lot from it.
She said: “The hike was really tough, a lot tougher than I thought it was going to be, but you do learn to rely on others and have those around you rely on you.”
Lauren was just one of a whole cohort who completed the award and managed to achieve the coveted gold standard.
Rhodri Evans is hoping to study veterinary science at university and spent a week as an Assistant Zookeeper at Blackpool Zoo.
Meanwhile Thea Preston, Molly Robinson and Charlotte Cramp were among a group of teenagers spent a month in Costa Rica, trekking in the wilderness and helping to build homes.
Pupils carried out a variety of activities during their year; Daniel Bergman, worked as an assistant ranger at Lyme Park for a year; Becca Austin, volunteered in a residential home for older people and Hannah Wilcock volunteered with the Rainbows.
King’s scientist and manager of the Duke of Edinburgh, Paul Bartle, said he was proud of those every pupil who completed the difficult course.
He said: “This year we have 110 pupils doing the Bronze Award; 55 taking Silver and 40 Gold. One of the reasons the awards are such a significant achievement is because it is very easy to very difficult to achieve; if you don’t complete the tasks you’re not going to get the award; it’s as simple as that.”