Reuben was nominated for the award by LFC Foundation's Employability Coordinator, Carmel Carey-Shields for his fantastic ambition towards the Creative works programme.

Carmel said…

“Reuben is on the autism spectrum and he attends Pontville School. He is a mature, intelligent young man who has been an asset throughout the programme. His commitment to his learning is unparalleled and he has emerged as a confident performer during this programme. Reuben has secure belief in himself and his capabilities.

He is a talented drummer and demonstrates a genuine interest in the performing arts. He is an example to his peers and often demonstrates leadership skills. He has worked hard to develop a range of new skills during the programme which culminated in a confident, impromptu, and improvised performance at the final presentation. His dignity and commitment will ensure he is successful in the next stage of his education, and he is indeed a worthy champion, for LFC Foundation and his neurodiverse peer group”.

Carmel added, “Reuben has been a real encouragement to his peers and led by example. He is always willing to challenge himself and his peers consequently follow suit. This has enabled me to challenge the group who became more confident and interactive. The group have complex needs, however with Reubens leadership they have risen to the challenges I presented and gained confidence and self-belief”.

Upon winning the award, Reuben said “I am very happy to have received this award and wasn’t expecting it at all! I enjoyed the programme and I have gained more confidence, particularly in situations that I am not really used to, and acting in front of others, in an impromptu situation, definitely gives you more confidence! I think it has been good preparation for the future, because I didn’t realise that I showed leadership skills and that was a pleasant surprise, which I will remember as I go into further education. I am firstly a musician, and play drums, piano and guitar, but seeing the musicians when we visited the theatre gave me inspiration and showed how you can implement effects in many ways.

I now realise why I was nominated and hope it can inspire other students to try new things and be confident.”