Wolverhampton’s Top Young Citizens Announced

10 Young Wulfrunians have been recognised for their outstanding community service at this year’s Wolverhampton Young Citizens of the Year Rotary Awards Ceremony. They are Ethan Shaw, Richie Tanner, Jessica Yang, Kieran Smith-Mills, Sarah Featherstone, Harleen Nahal, Eva Abley, Aisha Mustapha, Frazer Humphreys and Haya Mehager.

The event, held in Chancellor’s Hall, University of Wolverhampton, was attended by Mayor of Wolverhampton, Councillor Craig Collingswood, accompanied by his daughter Mayoress Abby Collingswood, along with over 150 people including the finalists, their guests, and representatives of the Rotary clubs, main sponsors Safran (previously Collins Aerospace) and other sponsors. The Rotary Clubs of the City devised these annual awards which are in their twelth year.

Rotarian Mel Eves, Chairman of the Awards and judges, acted as M.C. assisted by Chris Allen, from WCR FM Radio and Amanda Evans from City of Wolverhampton Council, who read out the citation for each finalist, who all received a Certificate of Recognition from the Mayor.

The younger age group awards are named after Roger Timbrell in recognition of his 10 years of service as chairman of the awards committee. The older age group is the Tom Warren Award, in whose memory these awards were inaugurated.

This year’s winners were; Ethan Shaw (13-18 age group) and Frazer Humphreys (19-25 age group) who were presented with their plaque and Certificate by the Mayor, Chair, Mel Eves and and Vice-Chair, Roger Timbrell. In addition they were each given £100 for themselves and another £100 for the charity of their choice.

There was also a Special Recognition Award to Eva Abley, a winner of these awards in 2023, for taking her community service to a national level by publishing a book (The Good the Bad and the Wobbly) with all proceeds going to Birmingham Children’s Hospital and for the BAFTA award winning documentary she did about the poor provision for children with special needs.

The Guest of Honour, Dr Willard Wigan MBE, who was born and raised in Ashmore Park, then wowed the audience by giving a truly inspirational talk about his journey from a troubled childhood to becoming a world famous master of micro sculptures.

Chairman Mel Eves said: “These young people are wonderful role models for our City’s young people. They deserve to be recognised and their achievements celebrated. It has been a privilege to have been one of the judges and to have led the organising committee for the first time this year.