THE school actively encourages all students to be responsible citizens and to be active and useful members of their community and Megan Mullen-Knight, one of our year nine students, is a shining example to us all!

Thirteen-year-old Megan is an active member of her local community and is involved with The Friends of Spring-field Park and Kidderminster Youth Boxing Club, designing websites for both groups.

It was Megan’s involvement with these groups that led to her being invited to be part of a BIG Local Steering group and Appraisal Panel. These were set up because the government is giving a £1million grant to help revamp and revitalise the Horsefair, Broadwaters and Greenhill areas of Kidderminster.

To start with, the groups were given £10,000 to spend on promoting the BIG Local Million and Megan was part of the decision-making – a heavy responsibility for a young girl but Megan certainly rose to the challenge. Indeed, she has been so successful, she has now been asked to be part of another group, BIG Local Network, to help decide where a further £20,000 can best be spent supporting the community. Recently, Megan was invited to meet MP Nick Hurd when he visited the area. Mr Hurd is Minister for Civil Society and so is at the forefront of the Government’s plans for the “Big Society”, which aims to give charities, social enterprises and local voluntary organisations a greater role in providing community services.

“I was really nervous,” confessed Megan, “but I was excited too.” She showed him the work she had done to create the websites and Mr Hurd was very complimentary about what she had achieved.

Marina Banner, executive director of Vestia and TCHG Corporate Services, said: “We are delighted that all age groups get involved with helping the community to develop and improve.This was a fantastic opportunity for Megan and she really impressed the Minister with her dedication and commitment.”

Megan admitted that she was relieved when her meeting with Mr Hurd was over but added that she was glad to be a part of it. “I enjoy helping to advise where best to spend money in my community and it was a good experience to actually meet and talk with a Member of Parliament.”

  • Taken from Wolverley Whispers school magazine