WITH more focus on exam success, today’s secondary pupils arguably face more demands than previous generations.

The pressure on teenagers to perform academically is immense. The jobs market remains tough for school leavers and graduates to secure full-time employment or an apprenticeship.

At the same time it’s not easy for many of them to cope with the everyday hustle and bustle in today’s busy high schools.

And that’s where this category comes into its own.

We are not just looking for the brainiest pupil in East Lancashire (although academic excellence plays a part) but for those who go the extra mile to achieve in all sorts of areas.

It might be that he or she has taken an important role in helping to make life run more smoothly and enjoyably for others, either in the school or the community it serves.

Organising school events or sports, arts or social activities could all be relevant as could overcoming personal adversity or problems.

In short, the judges will be looking for someone who has shown responsibility and leadership qualities which mean they have set a positive example to their peers.

Last year’s winner, Sonny Ashworth was the perfect example, having gone back to Alder Grange Community, Technology School and Sixth Form to sit his GCSEs after battling leukaemia.

He won the admiration of his fellow pupils who organised a ‘Do Something Funny for Sonny’ day and collected £2,000 so his parents could stay in Manchester during his treatment at the city’s children’s hospital.

He was nominated by Joanna Griffiths, head of school, who said Sonny was an ‘absolute star’ and added: “He has shown strong will and a steely determination.”