A student who has shown remarkable strength by supporting and inspiring her peers while facing significant personal challenges is one of just two people to receive a prestigious award for outstanding commitment and effort.
The Durham Youth Awards 2025, organised by Durham County Council, have honoured both a student and a welfare officer in recognition of their dedication and determination.
Despite the tragic loss of her sister, Poppy, in extremely sudden and tragic circumstances last year, Heidi Eagle, 12, works extremely hard in school and always sets herself to a high standard.
Heidi goes out of her way every day to participate in school life and support other students. She became Form Captain after being unanimously voted in by her fellow peers and takes the role very seriously. She also has a passion for sport and takes every opportunity to be active outside of school.
But most importantly, Heidi is recognised for being unfailingly kind and polite to everyone she meets. She is the first to help other pupils and often notices when they need support before anyone else. Notably, she regularly assists a particular pupil with additional needs and helps pack her bag and navigate school.
Heidi is also an active fundraiser for a charity set up in her sister’s memory: Poppy’s Light Foundation. It aims to raise awareness of cardiac abnormalities in 14 to 21-year-olds and supports children who have experienced trauma and bereavement. She is a passionate supporter of the charity, helping to organise events such as a School Colour Run, and fundraise in her community.
Meanwhile, Durham County Council attendance and welfare officer for Stanley Infant and Nursery School, Trevor Howard, won the Champion Award after being nominated by the children he works with for going above and beyond in his role.
The decoration aims to recognise those adults who provide a voice for young people across County Durham.
Trevor is known for his friendly and caring manner and going out of his way to support families, such as applying for grants on their behalf, supporting them with housing or financial issues, or signposting them to help if they need it.
One of his students said:
“He’s funny, kind and he’s always nice to me. He knew when something was wrong and would try to make me happy.”
Meanwhile, Poppy is not the only member of the Eagle family to be recognised in the awards. Her family, Faith aged 16, Ollie aged 22, Florence aged 10, and mum and dad Vicki and Peter, were presented with the Ann Jackson Award.
The award was introduced two years ago and has since become a regular gong at all youth awards. It was named after the only person to have received the Youth Champion Award two years running.
Unfortunately, Ann passed away just before the youth awards three years ago, and her family agree it is the perfect way to honour her memory for years to come. It is usually presented to winners that deserve extra recognition.
Cllr Cathy Hunt, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for children and young people’s services, said:
“Heidi and Trevor should be incredibly proud of the amazing work they’re doing and the positive impact that they are having on students’ lives.
“Heidi is a testament to her parents in the way she carries herself around school and takes everything in her stride. She, and her family, are evidently thoughtful and kind people with an ambition and drive to make the world a better place.
“Meanwhile, Trevor is a friendly and caring worker who very clearly just wants the best for all the families and students who attend Stanley Infant and Nursery School.
“These awards are a vital way of ensuring people get the recognition they deserve, and I would like to congratulate Trevor and Heidi for their well-deserved success.”
