We're looking for students who go the extra mile to achieve

The pressure on teenagers to perform academically is immense. The jobs market remains tough for school leavers and graduates to secure full-time employment or an apprenticeship.

At the same time it’s not easy for many of them to cope with the everyday hustle and bustle in today’s busy high schools.

And that’s where this category comes into its own.

We are not just looking for the brainiest pupil in East Lancashire (although academic excellence plays a part) but for those who go the extra mile to achieve in all sorts of areas.

It might be that he or she has taken an important role in helping to make life run more smoothly and enjoyably for others, either in the school or the community it serves.

Organising school events or sports, arts or social activities could all be relevant as could overcoming personal adversity or problems.

In short, the judges will be looking for someone who has shown responsibility beyond their years and leadership qualities which mean they have set a positive example to their peers.

Last year's winner Danielle Eccles was the perfect example, who helped look after her grandparents at home but was also prefect, member of the school council and a Sports Ambassador.

In 2012 she even carried the Olympic Torch through Blackburn on behalf of her school Witton Park.

Her auntie Lorraine Dickinson nominated her, saying: “She is a model student, having had 100% attendance and marked 100% effort every year since commencing at Witton Park."

When she won her form tutor for the year Catherine Evans added: “We knew from year seven that Danielle was an amazing student. She took on one of the main roles in the school production of ‘Blood Brothers’ and she wowed the audience.

“Danielle is one of the most hard-working and conscientious students I have come across.

“As a school we could not be more proud of her.”

n Nomination forms are at lanc-ashiretelegraph.co.uk/educ-ation_zone/schools_awards/