Student and welfare officer recognised for dedication and
hard work
A STUDENT who has supported and inspired her peers despite experiencing serious personal trauma,
is just one of two people presented with a prestigious award for their incredible hard work.
The Durham County Council-run Durham Youth Awards 2025 has recognised a student and
welfare officer for their dedication and determination. Despite the tragic loss of her sister, Poppy, in
extremely sudden and tragic circumstances last year, Heidi Eagle, 12, works extremely hard in school
and always sets herself to a high standard.
Heidi goes out of her way every day to participate in school life and support other students. She
became Form Captain after being unanimously voted in by her fellow peers and takes the role very
seriously. She also has a passion for sport and takes every opportunity to be active outside of school.
But most importantly, Heidi is recognised for being unfailingly kind and polite to everyone she
meets. She is the first to help other pupils and often notices when they need support before anyone
else. Notably, she regularly assists a particular pupil with additional needs and helps pack her bag
and navigate school.
Heidi is also an active fundraiser for a charity set up in her sister’s memory: Poppy’s Light
Foundation. It aims to raise awareness of cardiac abnormalities in 14 to 21-year-olds and supports
children who have experienced trauma and bereavement. She is a passionate supporter of the
charity, helping to organise events such as a School Colour Run, and fundraise in her community.
Meanwhile, Durham County Council attendance and welfare officer for Stanley Infant and Nursery
School, Trevor Howard, won the Champion Award after being nominated by the children he works
with for going above and beyond in his role. The decoration aims to recognise those adults who
provide a voice for young people across County Durham.
Trevor is known for his friendly and caring manner and going out of his way to support families,
such as applying for grants on their behalf, supporting them with housing or financial issues, or
signposting them to help if they need it.
One of his students said: “He’s funny, kind and he’s always nice to me. He knew when something
was wrong and would try to make me happy.”
Meanwhile, Heidi is not the only member of the Eagle family to be recognised in the awards. Her
family, Faith aged 16, Ollie aged 22, Florence aged 10, and mum and dad Vicki and Peter, were
presented with the Ann Jackson Award. The award was introduced two years ago and has since
become a regular gong at all youth awards. It was named after the only person to have received the
Youth Champion Award two years running.
Unfortunately, Ann passed away just before the youth awards three years ago, and her family
agree it is the perfect way to honour her memory for years to come. It is usually presented to
winners that deserve extra recognition.
Cllr Cathy Hunt, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for children and young people’s
services, said: “Heidi and Trevor should be incredibly proud of the amazing work they’re doing and
the positive impact that they are having on students’ lives.
“Heidi is a testament to her parents in the way she carries herself around school and takes
everything in her stride. She, and her family, are evidently thoughtful and kind people with an
ambition and drive to make the world a better place.
“Meanwhile, Trevor is a friendly and caring worker who very clearly just wants the best for all the
families and students who attend Stanley Infant and Nursery School. These awards are a vital way of
ensuring people get the recognition they deserve, and I would like to congratulate Trevor and Heidi
for their well-deserved success.”
