Shining examples

An inspiration to others was the fitting description of the youngsters honoured in the Newark Rotary movement’s Chil- dren of Courage awards.

There were five stories of defiance and triumph in the face of adversity that each paid wonderful tribute to young people determined to overcome whatever difficulties life presented them with.

No one hearing them could fail to have been moved.

Newark Rotary and the Rotary Club of Newark Castle combined to present the awards.

The winners, nominated by their schools or colleges, were all smiles as they went up to receive them, and friends and family who accompanied them were rightly proud that they had been recognised.

The point was made that much of the publicity surrounding young people these days was negative, highlighting the minority who have left their generation with something of a tarnished image.

Here were five representing the other side of the coin, deservedly taking their place in the spotlight for quite different reasons.

So, very well done to Nathan Roberts, Emma Scott, Liam Marley, William Telfer and Kaisha Palmer.

The Rotary movement plans to make the awards an annual event, and widen the catchment area for nominations. Let’s hope it succeeds.

Events like this allow others to share in what the youngsters have achieved in the face of personal adversity, and demonstrate admiration for such remarkable resilience.