Cookstown Primary pupils celebrate after winning two prestigious Diana Awards

Cookstown Primary School is celebrating after its pupils took home two of just five Diana Awards given to young heroes from across Northern Ireland.

A nine-year-old pupil at the school scooped the prize for the most courageous citizen after her life was thrown into turmoil when her mum was diagnosed with a brain tumour.

Brave Jasmine Chan became a carer for not just her mum, but also her severely autistic brother. The Office of the First and Deputy First Minister awarded Jasmine the prize as she “demonstrated true courage and selflessness and is an inspiration to both her friends and family”.

The school’s gardening club took home the champion volunteer gong for the team’s efforts in helping to promote a healthy lifestyle and raising awareness about the environment and conservation.

A number of pupils give up their lunch and break times, and often stay after school to care for the garden all year round.

Junior Ministers Emma Pengelly and Jennifer McCann joined the young heroes to celebrate their success at The Diana Awards on Thursday, December 10.

Speaking at the event Junior Minister Emma Pengelly said: “Princess Diana is remembered for many reasons but it was her charitable work and her obvious affinity with children and young people that remains her abiding legacy. She believed that young people have the power to change the world and these awards are a fitting tribute. The young people being recognised here today will ultimately deliver the shared society we all want.”