After he’d accrued enough volunteer hours for his Duke of Edinburgh Award, Christopher Hamilton kept up a commitment to preparing audio visual presentations for Mass at his parish. He could see it helped the parish staff.

It is a giving attitude the Aquinas Catholic College Menai Year 12 student has applied to youth groups, charity fundraisers and the more personal commitment of sponsoring a friend to enter the Catholic faith.

It has also landed him a 2021 Archbishop’s Award for Student Excellence.

“Richard always asked me lots of questions about the church and the faith, wanting to always expand his knowledge,” said Christopher, a 2021 Archbishop’s Awards for Student Excellence recipient.

“When he asked me to sponsor him for his confirmation I felt honoured. 

“I am glad he asked me to help guide him through his faith journey, as we already have that friendship going.”

“It feels very exciting to have received the [Archbishop’s] Award.

“I am looking forward to getting back into more volunteering once the lockdown eases.”

2021 ARCHBISHOP’S AWARDS RECIPIENTS: FULL LIST