Michael named Youth Champion at academy
AN AMBITIOUS Fraserburgh Academy pupil has recently been named Youth Champion as part of a project to help shape the future of the North-east town.
Sixth-year pupil Michael Metcalf is the Youth Champion for Aberdeen City and Shire Economic Future (ACSEF), and is acting as an ambassador for Fraserburgh youngsters.
As part of the project 'Future 2025', Michael will be the voice for local youths and he is prepared to share their opinions about what they want for the town's future - he is also the only state school pupil out of the three Youth Champions that have been chosen.
Michael (17), told the Herald he is "passionate" about ensuring the town's future is bright and that the focus remains on the local economy's leading industries.
He said: "It is great to be able to voice the opinions of my classmates and friends. I like the area and because I am from here i'll always have these roots to come back to. The idea to focus on up-nd-coming industries for the future of the town, instead of focusing on fishing as that is in decline.
"I've also organised a meeting with MSP Stewart Stevenson on October 1 to talk to him a bit more about the project."
Rector of Fraserburgh Academy, John Noble, said he was "very proud" of Michael and that the opportunity to take part in the shaping of the town's future was a brilliant opportunity for youngsters.
He said: "It is fantastic that this project exists to consult young people on important issues.
"I think it's terrific that Michael has been chosen, I've got to know him through teaching him last year and I would say that he is well-suited to the job. He has a quiet determination and assimilates a lot of knowledge which he can pull together. He has a good personality as well for encouraging other people."
Originally from Crimond on the outskirts of Fraserburgh, Michael is planning to attend Stirling University next September to undertake a joint honours degree in politics and business, and as well as acting as Youth Champion, he is involved in the school's enterprise project and is also school captain.
Mr Noble added: "Michael has always been very happy at school and has worked hard over the past five years, as have a lot of other pupils here, so he deserves this."
Four other Fraserburgh Academy pupils had cause for celebration as they each achieved five A's in their Higher exams.
Mr Noble added: "Our pupils Luke Tait, Hannah Watson, Ewan Massie and Kirsty West all achieved excellent results in their Higher exams and it is great to know that their hard work has paid off.
"This is the largest number of pupils we have had with five A's for a long time so it is avery encouraging result. We have had a much tougher start to fifth and sixth year courses. This is an example of success coming through now. The pupils put in the work and have been well-supported by their teachers and their families as well."
Chairman of Aberdeenshire Council's Education, Learning and Leisure Committee, councillor Richard Stroud, said: "This is a great achievement for Michael and for Fraserburgh Academy as a whole.
"I would like to congratulate him on becoming a Youth Champion for Aberdeen City And Shire Economic Future Partnership and wish him every success in his studies."
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Weather for Fraserburgh
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 11 C to 15 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 10 C to 16 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: East
