‘True role model’ Mia honoured for outstanding community impact

Arthur Terry School student Mia Jones has seen her dedication to helping others rewarded after receiving a highly commended certificate in the prestigious West Midlands Young Active Citizen Award 2024.

As part of the recognition of her nomination, Deputy Lieutenant for the West Midlands, Everton Burke OBE, visited the school to personally congratulate Year 13 student Mia on her exceptional contributions to mental health awareness and community wellbeing.

Mia, aged 17, has demonstrated remarkable leadership and compassion through her extensive work both within the school and the wider community.

A dedicated member of the school’s Wellbeing Committee since Year 8, Mia has played a key role in numerous initiatives including national awareness campaigns, student mentoring programmes and the creation of wellbeing resources. As a sixth-form student leader, she has continued to support younger children through the Buddy Up and Hello Monday mentoring schemes.

However, Mia’s commitment extends far beyond the school gates. Mia has been an active member of mental health charity Mind’s Youth Voice Network since 2021, contributing to national mental health education strategies and co-authoring key publications.

She has also volunteered with Birmingham Children’s Hospital and Forward Thinking Birmingham to redesign mental health assemblies for secondary schools and supported early years education and youth employment initiatives across the region.

“Her empathy, creativity and tireless dedication to helping others make her a true role model.”

“We are incredibly proud of her and delighted that her efforts have been recognised at such a high level. She is a shining example of the values we strive to instil in all our students.”

Arthur Terry School is proud to support and celebrate the achievements of students like Mia, who embody the spirit of service and leadership.

Picture: Mia Jones alongside Everton Burke OBE and Jo Fairclough.