Chiltern Way's Harry Jones is DofE Youth Trailblazer of the Year

Harry Jones, a student at Chiltern Way Academy’s Wendover campus, has won the prestigious award, Youth Trailblazer of the Year, for his work on the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. Harry’s difficulties with speech and language did not hold him back from climbing through the familiar stages of Bronze, Silver and Gold. He then embarked on the further challenge of becoming a Young Leader.

Academy teacher Matthew Rush, supported by teacher Charlene Martin, worked to prepare last year’s Year 10 students for the DofE Awards, as covered in Wendover News November 2024 issue.

Jason Fox, a judge of the Youth Trailblazer of the Year award, said: “Judging this year’s Trailblazer of the Year category was incredibly tough – there were so many amazing young people who have done some truly incredible things. However, it was Harry’s remarkable strength and perseverance that really stood out to me.”

“Harry went from being a very shy young lad who felt uncomfortable interacting with his fellow pupils, to being an inspirational leader, selfless in supporting them to overcome their own challenges. Harry should be incredibly proud of his achievements, and it was an honour to congratulate him in person at Buckingham Palace.”

Harry describes himself as going on a journey through each of his DofE Award levels, from starting Bronze with a lot of anxiety and uncertainty, to taking on a leadership role within the group at Gold, and later becoming a DofE Young Leader, supporting fellow students to take part in their own DofE programmes.

Harry’s leadership abilities were put to the test during his Gold expedition when, at the top of a mountain and in poor weather conditions, a member of the team who experienced high anxiety started to struggle and he could see they needed support.

With his teammate saying they didn’t think they’d be able to continue, Harry took the lead and set up an emergency shelter at the top of the mountain, standing outside in the rain himself to ensure the others were all able to stay dry. From there, Harry phoned their DofE Leader Matt and, by the time he arrived at the shelter, the young person was feeling better and ready to continue with the walk.

Matt Rush, DofE Leader at Chiltern Way Academy, said: “Harry didn’t panic and really kept his cool in a situation that would be difficult for most teachers. He leads by example and has an excellent calming manner.”

Harry’s supportive mentality continued long after he achieved his own Gold DofE Award, when he supported the following year’s Gold group by stepping in to finish the walk with them when other team members dropped out.

Matt said: “Harry will do anything to help others, even if it’s uncomfortable for himself or he finds it difficult. Harry became a Young Leader during the second year of sixth form, after he passed his Gold, and he helped me with the next cohort of students who were doing theirs. Harry has his own complex needs and finds social situations challenging but he said he was happy to do the Gold expedition again so the others could proceed. It shows just how much the DofE has helped him.

“Harry really deserves to be this year’s Trailblazer of the Year. Despite having his own speech and language difficulties, he’s used his communications skills to help other students – helping them complete the DofE is a massive achievement. He is an inspiration to other young people at this school. I’ve seen him grow from a young man into an inspirational young leader.”

Harry was celebrated alongside six other This is Youth winners at a star-studded event hosted by The Duke of Edinburgh at Buckingham Palace. He shared his story – and afternoon tea – with his Royal Highness and This is Youth celebrity judges.