Just a couple of weeks after winning a national 'Diana Award' for making an outstanding contribution to his community, Thornleigh Sixth Form student Jonathan Wright has done it again, winning a second national award at the 'Celebrating Young People' Awards 2017, from UK Catholic organisation, Million Minutes. He is pictured above with Headteacher Alison Burrows and Maria Pawlowski, who nominated him for the award. His proud school tells us all about his latest success:

Jonathan Wright, a Thornleigh Sixth Form Student, has won a prestigious Joseph Cardijn Award.

The award is for recognition for a young person who truly lives out justice for others and stands up for their rights. Jonathan attended an awards ceremony in Leicester Square, London.

Jonathan has always strived to uphold the dignity of his fellow students and committed to helping others know that they can make a difference. He is a dedicated campaigner, raising awareness of youth mental health issues as well as building youth involvement in democracy. He helped young people of Bolton realise they can be part of the solution to the challenges of job opportunities and poverty. Humour is key to Jonathan's work - he even compered an annual charity concert from inside a recycling bin! His teacher says, "Jonathan is a real role model in every sense of the word. His leadership has encouraged many others to get involved."

Maria Pawlowski, who nominated Jonathan said:

"I have known Jonathan now for 5 years, from Year 8 onwards, when as a young student he spent his breaks and lunch in the school library, through to his leadership of the School Council, his role as an anti-bullying ambassador and most recently as Bolton's Youth MP.

Jonathan has had a major impact on the way in which our School Council has developed over the years. We have evolved from a small group , who played a marginal role in the life of Thornleigh Salesian College, into a vibrant , meaningful organisation, which fulfils its' mission as Student Voice. It is the "go-to" group for its' opinions on everything from school dinners to OFSTED inspections. From a small group of about 12 ,we now have regularly between 40 and 50 students who take part in the meetings .His leadership in school has also encouraged many others to join the Bolton Youth group , so that students from Thornleigh are now by far the largest cohort within the group..

As well as being well-liked and respected for his work within the School Council Jonathan has played and continues to participate in the liturgical life of the school, contributing to religious celebrations and services. Jonathan is a role model in every sense of the word.

At the age of 18 Jonathan is now a confident, caring and compassionate young man who, over the years has given his time, his energy and his enthusiasm for so many different campaigns within school and beyond. He is a very hard act to follow.

Over the 40 years in which I have been in education, I have never known a young man who was more involved in trying to improve his community, who is both generous in spirit and passionate about trying to help others , especially those less fortunate than himself. We are very proud of him and wish him every success in the future."

Well done Jonathan, we are all very proud of you!