Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Awards presented to 43 young people

Badges were awarded by the Lieutenant Governor this week

More than 40 young people from the Isle of Man received their Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) Gold Award this week.

They all had to complete a 12–18 month programme to achieve the scheme’s highest award.

The programme included volunteering, learning new skills, physical activity, and a four-day expedition.

His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor, Sir John Lorimer, presented all 43 recipients with a Gold badge on Tuesday (9 September).

This year's recipients were:

Castle Rushen High School (CRHS)
Samuel Barker, Immi Beech, Ben Biltcliffe, Jasper Blackford, James Carcas, Holly Charmer, Florian Clements, Peter Cope, Noah Garcia-Fierro, Freya Gelling, Dora Giummri, Amelie Hutchinson, Louis Kennedy, Louis Laisney, Theo Mackie, Lisa Martin, Claire Mason, Ned McGregor, Oliver Nicholson, Amy Potts, Kate Potts, Freddie Sime, Lucy Sloane, Corbin Stewart, Matthew Valerga, Ruby Watterson

Ramsey Grammar School (RGS)
Keira Brown, Abbigail Radcliffe, Aaron Rielly, Ayrton Withington, Darcey Withington

Independent Duke of Edinburgh (IDOE)
Catreeney Ayres, Bree Cassidy, Katie Evans, Sarah Harris, Stella Karezi, Tom Leach, Edan Smith, Thomas Watterson

Independent participants
Elliott Butler, Emily Osbourn

Isle of Man Explorers
David Cowin

Compleat Care
Ben Mason

Daphne Caine MHK, Minister for Education, Sport and Culture, said: "Although the Duke of Edinburgh Awards have been running for nearly 70 years, they remain completely relevant. 

"Young people learn teamwork and problem-solving, develop resilience, push themselves to achieve goals, and grow in confidence. All of this prepares them for life’s challenges.

"I would like to congratulate all our fantastic Gold recipients. This is a great accomplishment that demonstrates commitment, determination, and resilience."

More than 600 young people are currently working towards a Bronze, Silver or Gold Award in the Isle of Man. 

This is delivered through secondary schools, the Youth Service, voluntary youth organisations, and independent groups. 

Participants must be aged 14 to 24 to take part. 

More information can be found on desc.gov.im or dofe.org