A 15-year-old schoolgirl who has worked tirelessly to help children, young people and the elderly in the area has received a prestigious national award.
Scarlett Stock, who is a Year 11 pupil at St John’s School in Epping, devotes much of her spare time to community work.
She is a member of the Epping Youth Council, which works to improve the lives and prospects of young people in the Epping area.
Ms Stock also volunteers for the 4th Epping Scouts Cubs Pack, fundraises for the Royal British Legion and the Race for Life charity and was recently made Head Girl at her school.
Last year she played a leading role in organising a conference involving politicians, youth groups and schools, to discover the issues that matter most to Epping’s young people.
She then helped initiate a district-wide safety campaign, warning young people of common risks and designing and distributing a card with essential safety information.
After a teacher nominated her, Ms Stock learnt in June that she had chosen from thousands of hopefuls throughout the country to receive the Princess Diana Award, recognising her ‘outstanding, sustained and selfless contribution to the community.’
She received a signed letter from Prime Minister David Cameron congratulating her and was given a guided tour of Diana’s family home at Althorp, Northamptonshire.
Ms Stock said: “I was quite shocked. I had no idea at all that had got it and went in to school and all of the teachers were shaking my hand.
“I went to Althorp with my mum and it was just amazing. Seeing the exhibition of all the work Diana did was very inspiring. She is one of my heroes after visiting there.
“Helping other people is the best thing I can imagine doing. Watching the children in the cubs grow up is fantastic and is just an incredible feeling to know you have helped someone.”
Scarlett’s ambition is to become a barrister but she also intends to pursue community work.
“I would just like to give something back,” she said.
“I have considered going in to politics.”
St John’s head teacher George Yerosimou said: “We are very proud of Scarlett. She is so unassuming and positive and is a great ambassador for the school.”
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