TOP AWARD FOR TOP CADET

The 13th February proved to be a lucky and very special day for seventeen year old Flt Sgt Lewis Stockwell of 1066 (Hitchin) Squadron.

Back in September last year his Commanding Officer, Flt Lt Erica Vey nominated him for the St John Spencer Young People of The Year award (YOPEY). YOPEY was set up in Hertfordshire three years ago to give young people a fairer image. It is hoped a more accurate picture of the younger generation will reassure adults and inspire other young people to give to the community. YOPEY reveals, recognises and rewards young people for being positive role models. Flt Sgt Stockwell was nominated for his work in managing the squadron’s marching band and for numerous fundraising efforts, despite his own poor health.

On 13th February he and nine other young people aged between 10 and 25 years old, selected from a massive 1100 nominations, attended the final of the North Hertfordshire YOPEY. Flt Sgt Stockwell was announced as the overall winner from these ten finalists after his story was judged by other young people who act as ‘youth judges’ alongside various dignitaries.

The ceremony was held at the GlaxoSmithKline research centre in Stevenage and supporting Lewis at the final were his family and friends as well as squadron staff and cadets. Following a light buffet, the ten finalist stories were presented followed by the announcement of the runners up and winner.

Flt Sgt Stockwell has been an active member of the unit for the past four years, helping others, particularly with the squadron’s re-formed marching band, of which he became manager just 15 months ago. He took over the baton with advice from his predecessor despite having no experience of marching bands and having missed practices through gastrointestinal problems which necessitated several operations.

Flt Lt Vey says that Lewis has worked tirelessly to improve and develop the band, which has grown from 20 to 30 members. Under his command and excellent leadership it has been named as the best ATC band in Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire. The band then represented these two counties in a regional competition last autumn and came fourth, with Lewis being awarded the title of best drum major. Flt Lt Vey said “This success is tribute to his hard work on a weekly basis at the squadron where he has taught cadets, composed songs and developed new routines for the band. He works tirelessly to help others join the band and he always displays great commitment and dedication.”

An example of this is when he wanted to raise funds to replace battered instruments which were at least 20-years-old and buy some new drums. He came up with the idea of organizing a concert and secured funding from Hitchin Town Council to hire the Town Hall for the event in September. He organized the concert, helped with publicity and ticket sales, performed and even spoke on the night. The event raised around £1,000.

Away from the band Lewis’s friend Joe Males was given just two weeks to live after it was found that his leukaemia had returned. Lewis composed and recorded a song called Joey’s Bar. This was part of an album of music for Joe produced in just one day by the boys’ Priory School. It raised £1806 which was sent to Addenbrooke’s Hospital where Joe was treated.

Flt Lt Vey said: “Lewis is a mature, responsible, reliable and outstanding individual. He is thoughtful and caring and always puts other people before himself. Despite his schoolwork, losing Joe and being very ill himself over the last two years he always gives 110 per cent in everything he does for the squadron and the cadets.”

Just six months after his last operation, Lewis cycled the 26-mile London Bikeathon with his Commanding Officer and other staff raising a total of around £200. At The Priory School he had his legs waxed as part of an event for Breast Cancer Awareness which raised £1,000. “I think I screamed just a little bit,” he joked.

“I think it’s important to help charities and give other people a chance for a better life,” he said. He has been a poppy seller for the Royal British Legion and he hopes to join the organisation which is dedicated to caring for ex-Service personnel. “It’s important to help those who have done something a lot more commendable than myself, for example put their lives at risk, often for people they don’t know,” he said.

Flt Sgt Stockwell was awarded £1000 after being announced as the winner. £500 goes to him and £500 to his squadron. He now goes forward to the YOPEY final for Hertfordshire, bring held on 8th May in Hertford.

Joe’s mum Sue said: “Lewis is a good lad with a willingness to help others and raise money for charity.” Flt Sgt Stockwell said ‘It is the most amazing feeling to have won such a big award, being able to say I am the North Herts Young Person of the Year is just brilliant, the smile has not left my face! When I was first put forward for the award I did not think I would get very far, even when I was told I had been selected for final! It just shows that people recognize the efforts of others. It is just so amazing!’