The Haberdashers’ Company recognises Outstanding Service to Others with the Queen Elizabeth II Citizenship Award
Following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022, the Company sought to find a way to acknowledge and commemorate the Queen’s remarkable seventy-year reign; a reign that was defined by selfless and loyal service, by tolerance and kindness.
This led to the creation of The Haberdashers’ Queen Elizabeth II Citizenship Award, funded by the Master’s Allocation. The award is not for a measurable achievement such as academic, sporting or musical accomplishments. There are many ways in which each school already recognises these. Rather, this is about seeking out those whose achievements go largely unnoticed and unacknowledged. In the late Queen’s words: ‘unsung heroes whose quiet dedication makes them special’.
Each school was asked to select one student from Year 13 who demonstrated the characteristics of tolerance, kindness, selfless service, loyalty, integrity and respect.
It was agreed that the total sum per prize winner would be £400. This would be split between the pupil (£150) and a charity of their choice (£250).
Each pupil was asked to carefully consider which charity would be in receipt of the £250 grant and to involve others in their decision-making. A wide range of organisations were selected, from those with a personal resonance to those that work within the local community.
Author: Susan Barry, Director for Charities
The charities chosen were:
Midlands Air Ambulance
The Hub, Newport (Shropshire)
The Stroke Foundation
Calm Minds UK
Lewisham Young Carers
Royal Free Charity
London LGBTQ+ Community Centre
Community Food Bank in Ross on Wye
PSC Support
One student said, ‘I wanted to make sure that the charity I chose was one that I knew would have a direct impact and one that was close to the hearts of the people I value in my life’.
Another said, ‘I would like to say thank you for allowing me to be the recipient of the Haberdashers’ Queen Elizabeth II Citizenship award – it is truly an honour to be awarded this grant and donation to a charity of my choice and would like to thank all members of the Haberdashers’ Company who have allowed me to be a recipient of this award’.
At the invitation of the Master and Wardens, the awardees came to the Hall in July by way of recognition and celebration. The Master, Rupert Elliott, said: ‘We think that this award achieves a number of important goals. First and foremost, it recognises the outstanding character of nine Year 13 students. Their commitment to others has been profound, sustained and self-propelled, and the impact they have had has been correspondingly impressive. These young people are nothing less than role models for others in their schools and their communities and we are delighted to be able to celebrate them with this Award. We hope it will inspire others to follow in their footsteps. The exercise of consulting and deliberating with their peers in order to identify a deserving charity will have required leadership and helped to foster important life skills. Last, but by no means, least, we believe that this Award is a very fitting way to mark the remarkable life and dedication of Queen Elizabeth II.’
