Middleton schoolgirl Libby Howarth receives 2020 High Sheriff's Young Citizen Award

A Middleton schoolgirl has become the Rochdale borough recipient of the 2020 High Sheriff’s Young Citizen Award.

Libby Howarth, 15, is in Year 10 at Cardinal Langley Roman Catholic High School in Middleton, which put her forward for the award, of which there were over 200 nominees.

Libby was nominated for the award due to her hard work as a volunteer at the Lighthouse Project foodbank in Middleton over the last couple of years. Libby, who usually volunteers on Thursdays (pre-pandemic), wants to continue volunteering as she continues her studies, with the aspiration of becoming a vet.

She said: “I’m very excited and honoured to have received the award. Thank you to my school for nominating me.”

 

 

A representative from the school said: “We were delighted to hear Libby was presented with the Young Citizen of the Year Award.

“Libby is a very kind, caring and considerate person who always does the right thing. More importantly, Libby’s selfless nature and determination to make a difference is  outstanding.

“Libby not only spends her free time and school holidays volunteering at the local foodbank, but she also advises school leaders what to suggest when putting out appeals to help local families in their time of need.

“Following a summer holiday of volunteering at Middleton foodbank, being involved in managing stock and putting together weekly parcels, Libby was able to help school leaders devise a list of much needed products which people do not always think to donate. This insight meant that in creating Christmas hampers for families, school were able to provide exactly what families needed.

“We are extremely proud of Libby for always being the person who goes above and beyond in her studies and in helping others.

“The difference she makes is remarkable.”

High Sheriff of Greater Manchester Eamonn O’Neal said: “Libby has been instrumental in organising fundraising and goes out of her way to offer essential services to families. Well done Libby.”