THE Outstanding Student of the Year Award celebrates students who have decided to sacrifice their time to help others and make a real difference to people’s lives.

The finalists are trio Beatrice Overend, Emily Overend and Eleanor Monaghan, Michelle Hammond and Olivia Nicholson.

Community-minded students Beatrice, Emily and Eleanor set up Wilsden Youth Volunteers after helping out at a different project throughout the first lockdown.

The group - described as “coronavirus angels” - helped decorate the village hall for six weeks, collected and delivered prescriptions and shopping to those who were shielding and fundraised for the village hall by organising a photography competition for a 2021 calendar.

Emily said: “We are really thankful to our volunteers and residents who have got involved in our projects to help raise money for our village, find opportunities for the young people and support those who are lonely and vulnerable.

Ellie said: “The pandemic created an opportunity for the youth to be proactive and get involved in community projects. It has been very encouraging to see lots of our youth and residents taking part in the projects set up.”

Beatrice said: “Throughout the pandemic many young people have found themselves stuck at home with little to do. It has been a pleasure to set up this scheme with the help of my sister Emily and best friend Ellie and I am honoured that we have been nominated for the Telegraph and Argus Community Star awards!”

This is the second award that Ravenscliffe’s Michelle Hammond, 15, is shortlisted for.

Helping out at Ravenscliffe Youth Centre for more than two years, Michelle works with the youth workers and delivers youth club sessions and activities. This includes life-skill classes such as cooking and baking.

She also plans trips out, residentials, charity and community events and fundraising.

Her nominator said: “At 16, she is very close in age to the young people she supports. She is a very good listener and always has other people’s interests at heart. She is an excellent role model for young people and a real credit to young people of her age.

“This age group often don’t get recognised for making a positive contribution, but Michelle really excels at this, putting other young people’s needs before her own.”

Olivia Nicholson, 15, has been nominated by the residents of Naismith House in Shipley.

Despite a brain infection diagnosis leaving her too sick to attend school, Olivia achieved a GCSE two years early and used the lockdown period to create paintings.

The residents said: “Olivia would create beautiful paintings and leave them for the older people and write us beautiful letters to keep all our spirits up. This young lady is a true inspiration and deserves the biggest well done that a lovely kind young person could have.

“Olivia is the kindest most caring girl anyone has ever met. She really is a joy to all that meet her. An exceptional girl whist suffering her own illness every day.”

You can vote for your chosen finalist here