Ellesmere College has revealed the winner of a unique scholarship launched to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Save the Children and as a tribute to its founder Eglantyne Jebb.
Joshua Millington, who lives in Ellesmere and attended Lakelands Academy, has taken his place in Ellesmere College’s Sixth Form after being awarded the Jebb Scholarship for his ‘selfless support’ to the community.
Applicants for the scholarship were invited to demonstrate their support and commitment to the community through volunteering, community projects, or raising money for local charities.
The scholarship honours Ellesmere born Eglantyne Jebb who launched Save the Children with her sister, Dorothy Buxton, at the end of World War l. The charity now supports children in more than 100 countries.
Joshua said: “I am thrilled to be awarded the Jebb Scholarship and think it will allow me so many amazing opportunities. I hope to fully engage myself in every opportunity and take away lots of incredible experiences, knowledge and friendships.
“I am looking forward to studying A Levels and becoming more involved in sport. I’m extremely interested in pursuing a career in the RAF, so the Combined Cadet Force at Ellesmere College really appeals to me.”
Joshua is a Scout Young Leader, giving his weekends and evenings to helping young people to do activities usually available to them, such as sailing, caving and mountaineering.
“I am an International Ambassador helping to support and promote international events within Shropshire Scouting,” he added.
Joshua’s parents, Steve and Clair, said: “We are delighted that Joshua has been offered the Jebb Scholarship.
“We would like to express our gratitude for the generous support and we hope that this will allow Joshua to reach his full potential and achieve his dreams.”
Tom Gareh, Head of Sixth Form at Ellesmere College, said: “Joshua has already done a great deal for his community, making him a very worthwhile recipient of the Jebb Scholarship.
“I am looking forward to seeing how we can help him further his achievements both within Ellesmere College and the wider community.”
Eglantyne Jebb’s great-great nephew Richard Jebb, offered warm congratulations to Joshua and said: “I am delighted to hear that Ellesmere College has set up a scholarship in Eglantyne’s name.
“Her life’s work was all about permitting children – regardless of their background, religion or nationality – to reach their full potential, and this scholarship embodies her ideals in a very tangible fashion.
“It is also very welcome that a school located less than a mile from her birthplace and with which she would have been personally familiar has been able to set this up in the centenary year of Save the Children’s foundation.”
Ellesmere Sculpture Initiative is also leading a two-year community project to celebrate the centenary of the Save the Children and it’s chairman Len Graham said it was excellent news that a local boy had been handed this scholarship.
He added: “Josh is showing the kind of initiative, commitment and determination that represents the spirit and values of the Jebb sisters.
“Eglantyne would have greatly welcomed this initiative by Ellesmere College.”
Pictured: Josh Millington.