Bolton News Education Awards 2022 - Pupil of the Year

The Pupil of the Year award, sponsored by Ye Olde Pastie Shoppe, goes to Sofia Baxter.

This award goes to a person who has achieved something beyond expectations in education over the last 12 months.

It isn’t necessarily about the highest academic achiever - it could be about the way an individual has developed themselves personally, through sheer determination to do better.

Sofia has won the award because of her bravery and determination to learn, after she became ill in spring 2021.

Sofia holding her award aloft in front of the school (Image: Newsquest)

Throughout the illness, she was determined to access her learning through Lostock Primary School, being happy as her teacher visited her and completed one to one sessions.

She then showed enthusiasm to go into school when she was well enough to do so, making lots of new friends and achieving all of her Early Learning Goals.

The Year One pupil  was nominated for the award by her teacher, Sarah Prendergast, who said:

“Sofia is an absolute superstar. What would have been the most difficult time in her life, was transformed into a journey and throughout this she demonstrated pure resilience and a fearless attitude.

The children try to work out who will be winning the award (Image: Newsquest)

“This has been an incredible journey for Sofia but what surprises us the most, is that she never complained and she never gave up – in any fashion. She is an absolute treasure.

“She truly deserves this award and we would be honoured to watch her receive it.”

Ms Prendergast also highlighted Sofia's parents as having been 'incredible' throughout the journey due to their determination and resilience through the situation.

A big congratulations goes to Coran Craven and Ciaran Pritchard of Bolton St Catherine’s Academy, who were both highly commended for our Pupil of the Year award.