Civic Award honour for ‘going above and beyond expectations’

A student who has volunteered in her local community and who constantly goes above and beyond what is expected of her was honoured at a council presentation evening.

Philippa Anderson, 17, who is studying Art, Design and Media at New City College Epping Forest, was presented with the Civic Award for Creativity 2023 by Chairman Councillor Mary Sartin at the Epping Forest District Council Civic Awards evening.

As well as the award, Philippa won £1,000 which she intends to spend on a laptop for her studies.

The Creativity Award is given to a young person who shows promise and makes creative contributions to the arts within the local district. Philippa was chosen as the winner for volunteering her skills to support others in the community, despite the fact that she is deaf.

Emma Brace, Philippa’s tutor, submitted the nomination which said: “Philippa is a student who is constantly going above and beyond what is expected of her, volunteering her skills to support others in the community.

“She recently took on the role of creative director for a live brief with Loughton Town Council, designing and building a full-size Santa’s grotto for the housing office in The Broadway, Debden.

“She also designed the poster which was displayed in schools and businesses, and a D-deaf awareness poster for staffrooms at New City College in Borders Lane, Loughton, and offered to provide D-deaf friendly training to staff and sign language lessons to fellow students.

“Philippa is also an active member of the Deaf-initely Youth Theatre, the first deaf-led professional theatre company in the UK. She wants to study graphic design at university so she can fulfil her dream of having her own business.”

She was declared a worthy winner as she was presented her award by Councillor Sartin.

Sue Clark, Deputy Principal at Epping Forest campus, said: “We are delighted and very proud that Philippa has been recognised with this Civic Award. It is thoroughly deserved – she has exemplary graphic design skills and she is always on hand to help and support other students as well as volunteering to make the local community a better place.”

Tutor Emma said: “Philippa applies herself to any task given, consistently exceeding expectations. She asks for extra work on top of her coursework to further develop her skills. She is extremely talented and a brilliant student who is always helping others. She has never let being deaf hold her back and has been a joy to teach. I am sure she will achieve success in the future with the drive and determination that she has.”

The Civic Awards ceremony paid tribute to many other community volunteers.

Congratulating all the award recipients, Councillor Sartin said: “It is people like you that make the world a better place. Thank you for your selflessness, generosity and compassion.”