Nominees for Best Student at Golden Apple awards

The Golden Apple Awards is a Cumbria-wide event that recognises and rewards excellence in education and learning. These students have been put forward for their exceptional contributions to their schools and could win at the glittering awards ceremony at Energus, Workington, on October 13. 

Toby wants to become a doctor (Image: Toby Wilson)

Toby Wilson, from Furness College, has been put forward for bringing in guest speakers from the healthcare industry to his school.

He did this so that more students would have the opportunity to learn how to become a doctor or a nurse.

He found speakers by networking through his voluntary job in the cafe at St. Mary's hospice.

He said: "I am really proud and grateful to be nominated for this. This is something that is a big thing for Cumbria." 

He managed to bring in six health industry professionals and is going to Cambridge University to study medicine. 

Millie Lawler, from Lakes College in Workington, dedicated herself to her school studies, despite her working two-part time jobs, travelling two hours on the bus to get to school and being a full-time carer for her nan. 

Millie Lawler got her nomination for her care work (Image: Millie Lawler)

She said: "I want to make life better for other people. If I know I can make someone's life a bit better then that would make me happy."

Millie wants to get into a nursing role that specialises in mental-health care.

"Hospitals are not the nicest place to be, so it is better if you have someone who is there to look after you and talks you through what is going on," she said.

Sophie Murfitt, from Whitehaven Academy, played a leading role on the student council for Cumbria Education Trust, helping make decisions for the multi-academy trusts by representing the interests of the students.

She would also show new staff around the school and acted as a role model for younger students while maintaining a strong academic drive. She wants to go into a marketing role at university. 

When she heard the news she said that she felt: "Incredible. I didn't know how to react, I just went about my day. It gives me a sense of feeling proud of myself." 

Sophie got the nomination for her role in the student council for her multi-academy trust (Image: Sophie Murfitt)