Fifteen-year-old scout Esa from Ealing has been recognised with a Jack Petchey Foundation Award for what organisers described as “remarkable personal growth” and contributions to his Explorer unit.
Esa, who attends Inception Explorers, was among 85 young people aged 11 to 25 who received awards at a live ceremony at Greenford Assembly Hall. The organisers said 30 of the award winners were from across Ealing. Winners were presented with medallions and framed certificates, and each received a £300 grant to spend on their scouting unit.
The Jack Petchey Foundation said the event celebrated young people’s commitment to their groups, with awards covering a range of roles and achievements across the Scouts. The foundation added that it has invested more than £1.1m in Ealing since its funding began.
Esa’s citation said he had progressed from being “quiet and reserved” to becoming “enthusiastic, dependable, and proactive” within his unit. It said he had shown leadership at a recent national camp, taking responsibility for his patrol and supporting other members of the group.
His nomination also highlighted work outside scouting, including volunteering during Ramadan to help prepare and distribute food at a local mosque.
Esa said he planned to use the £300 grant to buy adult-sized air rifles and pellets so members of the Explorer group could take part in an accredited national course.
