Balham school girl awarded Wandsworth's Young Person of the Year

Sonia Zia has been named as this year's winner of the Wandsworth Young Person of the Year Award for her determination and success in overcoming adversity.

Sonia was in Year 7 at Chestnut Grove Academy in Balham, when her mother was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer.

As a result, she has had to take an active role in helping to raise her younger sister and juggle her family commitments with her studies.

Despite these challenges, Sonia has far exceeded her predicted grades and gained a place to read languages at Oxford University.

Sonia has acted as Head Student and as a member of the Student Council, has completed her Duke of Edinburgh Award and spent four weeks completing National Citizens Service.

In doing so, she visited and engaged with members of a residential care home.

At the other end of the scale, she has taught Year 7 students about mental health and the stigma surrounding disorders for five weeks.

She has been described by her teachers as 'talented, spirited and caring, with a strong sense of civic and familial duty.'

One added: "She has achieved so much through hard work, vision and a commitment to others."

Along with a special trophy Sonia has been awarded a £500 cash prize.

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