THE role the community plays in each child’s life has never been more called upon than in this last year, and one individual has truly gone above and beyond for those at her school.

Carol Julian of Hanson was the focal point in making and distributing hundreds of hampers over the three lockdowns, providing extra help to those families in need.

She and her team gave out more than 5,000 shopping vouchers, doorstepped delivered thousands of hot and cold meals, and even donated clothing and furniture.

They also kept in touch with every single family by phone or doorstep visit at least once weekly to make sure they were safe and well.

On top of all that, the school handed out over 350 laptops so students could continue to work from home and not fall behind in their studies.

Unfortunately, Carol was unable to make the ceremony so one of her fellow staff members had these glowing words to say: “She will be absolutely overjoyed.

“She was modest when hearing about the nomination.

“I think it has helped her realise her impact on the community, her colleagues, and students. She will be over the moon.

“She is a key member of staff in school, she is always there for the students, certainly the most vulnerable ones.

“She is out and about going to the families and doing that work in the community.

“She has certainly tackled it head on and spearheaded the approach of supporting families and organising the hampers.

“Carol has worked alongside other people in the school to make sure the vulnerable students are supported.

“She has also helped form a wellbeing program in school.

“We are praying for normality. Hanson has been open the whole time and she has always been there.”

Bradford College’s Zaid Bashir and Morrison’s Girlington Lily Romani were the runners-up who missed out on the prize.