The Mercury is today launching its third Young Achiever Awards to celebrate the outstanding achievements of young people in Leicestershire.
For the next 10 weeks, we are asking schools, organisations and individuals to nominate young people aged 14 to 25 who are worthy of recognition due to their efforts.
The winners of the competition's nine categories will be announced at a special ceremony on December 4, at Leicester City's King Power Stadium, and will each receive £250 and a trophy.
Two category runners-up will receive a cash prize of £50 each and a certificate of merit.
Mum Adele Tilley clinched the overall Student of the Year award in 2013.
The 25-year-old from Leicester was among hundreds of nominees who stood out to the judges.
Adele, who grew up in care and then escaped an abusive relationship, was left to bring up her children as a single mum.
Despite her struggles, she decided to go back into education and re-sat her GCSE English and maths exams, before taking an access to higher education diploma.
She then embarked on a masters degree at De Montfort University and hopes to set up her own consultancy firm so she can give her children the best start to life.
After picking up her prize, she said: "I'm elated and never expected to win. My children have spurred me on through life and now this award has added to that."
The awards are being sponsored by Fullhurst Community College, in Leicester, with each of the nine categories also featuring an individual sponsor.
A spokesman for the school, which is also sponsoring the Science and Mathematical Achievement award, said: "Fullhurst is proud to sponsor these awards. We have developed a culture of excellence in maths and science over the past few years and continue to promote outstanding academic achievement.
"Fullhurst has established strong links with employers in engineering, including the Synter Group and Audi Leicester, which have supported the growth of the science and mathematics curriculum.
"A high proportion of pupils who leave school after year 11 continue studying maths and the sciences to A-level.
"We know many young people face huge personal and social barriers to achieving their full potential and when these are overcome it is important to celebrate and share their success as inspiration.
"Each day our staff are inspired by the resilience, determination and imagination of our pupils with many reaching heights never previously dreamed of.
"Fullhurst pupils enjoy the privilege of outstanding teaching. Many of the nominees will also have been encouraged and supported by adults supporting their learning. In sponsoring the awards, we also wish to recognise the role teachers have played in helping young people on the road to success."
Mercury editor Richard Bettsworth said: "We're delighted to be launching the awards for the third year running. They provide a great opportunity to recognise the achievements of young people across the city and county – many of whom are working incredibly hard against the odds.
"I'm very much looking forward to hearing the stories of so many."
