Rotary Star Awards recognise more than 140 island pupils as good citizens

More than 140 primary school pupils across the island have received Rotary Star Awards this year for being good citizens, Manx Radio has reported.

The island’s three Rotary Clubs (Douglas, Onchan, and Rushen and Western Mann) presented the awards to children at 19 primary schools. They are given to pupils who have made a real effort for others, such as fundraising for charities, looking out for fellow pupils or supporting relatives and friends.

The awards were handed out at school assemblies held for the occasion. One pupil from each year group received a certificate, a badge and a book or gift token.

Mary Jane Falconer, of the Rotary Club of Douglas, said: “It is a true honour to present these awards to so many deserving young people.” She also thanked teachers and school staff for supporting the programme.

Ms Falconer cited one school’s nomination as an example. It described a pupil who had volunteered for odd jobs at Hospice outside school and had raised money for the charity.

David Scott, Immediate Past President of the Rotary Club of Rushen and Western Mann, said: “Since we launched Rotary Stars six years ago the scheme has grown each year.” He added that he hoped all the island’s schools would take part within the next few years.