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

The finalists are Aaliyah Shah, Faiz Kader and Subhan Asif.

Aaliyah Shah, a student at Oasis Academy Lister Park, has been described as “an exceptional role model for young people and young adults”.

Aaliyah has participated in Bradford Youth and Development Partnership’s weekly training to become a peer mentor, become student leader, planned community social action projects, and provided lunch time drop in’s for mental health chats and games.

Her nominator said: “She is mature beyond her years. She is an original thinker, compassionate and a real credit to the city.

“Many students experience a range of issues including difficulties in their home lives, or difficulties making friends - Aaliyah is there to offer a listening ear and brighten people’s day. Aaliyah gives up her lunchtimes to do this as she believes in the power of being listened to and empowering others to speak up. This initiative is growing from strength to strength - Aaliyah is amazing.”

Bradford Grammar School’s Faiz Kader has been nominated for being “compassionate and reactive in responding to local emergencies and causes”.

His nominator said: “Faiz has very quickly understood the role of active citizenship and importance of collaboration hence is always connecting people within his circles. He recognised his own privileges and gives back to society above and beyond expectation.

“As an aspiring doctor, Faiz’s vision is that happier people are healthier people and therefore is always ensuring that what he does ultimately makes people happy.

“Through his tireless and selfless efforts, Faiz truly has become a pillar of support for so many people.

“Most recently Faiz learnt about the plight of the single parent market and how this marginalised community was furthest away from any mainstream support, especially since the pandemic. He reacted by gathering his contacts, friends resources and sponsorships to raise enough money to support ten families suffering from domestic violence and offering food, blankets, electricity/gas top ups and even hire vans to move women and their children to safer spaces with their belongings.”

Subhan Asif, a 19-year-old student at Hanson School, has been nominated for his volunteering with Bradford for Everyone.

He has conducted surveys to help boost the lives of Bradford’s youth, worked with Bradford Royal Infirmary through an outreach programme, and raised hundreds for the Bradford Deaf Association and Comic Relief.

His nominator said: “Very applaudable at such a young age, balanced with his studies. Within school, Subhan has been heavily involved within the student leadership.

“Subhan has always maintained a positive attitude about himself and encouraged others to do the same.

“He has been a real team player throughout his studies, encouraging others to achieve the best within themselves.

“He is a driven, hardworking student, who despite facing some hardships personally, has had the strength and perseverance to allow his studies to remain unaffected.”

Finalists for Bradford's Community Star Awards revealed

For 2022’s Community Stars Awards, there are nine categories in total.

Click the category to find out more about each finalist

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