A FORMER Archway pupil has received a long service award from SDC in recognition of his work for Stroud District Youth Council.

Eighteen-year-old Kieran Chadwick, who is now studying chemistry at the University of Sheffield, served a total of five years on the youth council – the longest term for any youth councillor in its thirteen year history.

He was presented with his award by SDC’s chairman Dennis Andrewartha at a meeting of Stroud District Council on Thursday night (November 28).

“Kieran became Archway School’s representative to Stroud District Youth Council in October 2008, initially in a deputy role, but with his clear commitment, soon became a voting member after a matter of weeks,” the Lib Dem councillor said.

“He is a credit to his former school, fellow students, friends and family. He has demonstrated a real example of what young people can do for their communities.”

In his first year as a youth councillor Kieran attended a whole host of training events and meetings and demonstrated a keen interest in environmental issues, leading him to work on a litter recycling project.

Elected as youth cabinet member for regeneration the following year, he continued to progress the project and also started to raise the issue of reducing energy consumption in schools.

He was also heavily involved in the youth council’s input into the SDC’s sustainable community strategy and in 2010 along with his brother Luka, was re-elected by Archway School pupils to represent them for another two years.

In October 2012, he was re-elected again by his fellow students, making him the longest serving member and he was also later elected chairman of the youth council for the 2012/13 year.

“I feel honoured to be receiving this award and I have been privileged to be a part of the district youth council,” said Kieran.

“This experience has increased my confidence and my ability to develop and debate my opinions.

“I am very proud of the work that I have done with the youth council and I wish that every young person could be given a similar opportunity to express their opinions and views to adult decision makers in the way I have been able to.”