Westbury teenager honoured with British Citizen Youth Award

Despite the coronavirus pandemic, 25 extraordinary young people from across the UK are being recognised with the coveted British Citizen Youth Award.  One of them is 17-year-old Cadet Under Officer Katie Bradbeer from Westbury.  

The BCyA states, “For the last 4 years, Katie has been a dedicated member of the Matravers School Combined Cadet Force (CCF).  Her personality and leadership is widely recognised within the CCF, her school and local community.  Katie provides a voice for the young people in her community.  

“There are 120 cadets attending Matravers CCF where Katie oversees their learning by supporting those junior in rank to her, ensuring all activities are engaging, fun and that cadets feel part of one big family.  

“Katie is dedicated to improving the lives of others and her consideration for others wellbeing is an inspiration.  She sets an example for others to follow, encouraging compassion and a sense of belonging to the CCF family and wider community. 

“Recently achieving the role of Head girl at Matravers School, Katie will provide the leadership and compassion required to guide the school council over the coming year. She will bring with her considerable experience due to her contribution at local youth network and town council meetings, where she has provided the missing insight of a young person, for those who are not confident to share their ideas.  

“Due to the disadvantage gap in Westbury, Katie assisted the staff to achieve bursaries for cadets who fall into this category.  She has written applications securing bursaries of up to £200 per cadet, to ensure they can participate in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and attend camps, where they can make new friends, learn new skills and participate in activities.

“Due to the current government restrictions banning large gatherings indoors, the usual grand medal presentation ceremony at The Palace of Westminster is unable to take place. For the first time in its history, Katie and the remaining 24 medalists received their BCyA medals by courier, together with a video message from some of the patrons and an invitation to the House of Lords at a date yet to be determined, when it is safe to do so. 

“The British Citizen Youth Award (BCyA), in association with Specsavers, is now in its fourth year and recognises exceptional young people who positively impact their communities. Messages of support were sent via video from TV personalities Michael Underwood, Matt Allwright, Tim Vincent, pop superstar Kimberly Walsh of the Pussycat Dolls, and popular comedian, actor and Patron of the BCA Bradley Walsh. 

“Dame Mary Perkins, co-founder of Specsavers and BCyA Patron  also recorded a heartfelt message and has continued to support the BCA throughout the pandemic.”  

Dame Mary said, “These incredible young people are the rising stars of the future – let us shine a light on them and celebrate!  I hope that many more youngsters will follow in their footsteps”.

Co-founder of The British Citizen Youth Award, Mike Faulkner said, “Whilst it is bitterly disappointing not be able to present Katie’s medal in person, we are determined to recognise all medalists for their exceptional endeavours. They will still have the full British Citizen Youth Award experience when we can safely gather indoors in larger numbers.  

“The 25 medalists represent all that is good about young people today. Their commitment to others and to making society better for everyone, was the driving force for us to unite them with their medals at the earliest opportunity. Whilst some recognition programmes are regarded as elitist, the BCyA remains accessible to everyone and welcomes nominations year-round. By highlighting the commitment of young people like Katie we aim to make positive impact in the community the norm rather than the exception”. 

Each Medal of Honour bears the words ‘For the Good of the Country’ and are presented to only a small number of exceptional young individuals annually. The British Citizen Youth Award is widely viewed as the nation’s way of recognising extraordinary, everyday young people for exceptional endeavor and are truly representative of today’s multicultural Britain.

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2021 medal presentations, register online at www.britishcitizenyouthawards.co.uk.