A THURLSTONE teenager has shown an exceptional commitment to volunteering and improving his studies.
Elias Howard’s determination to improve his community highlights his resilient nature despite living with a moderate learning disability and being neurodiverse, Elias never lets any challenges hold him back.
He has faced challenges academically, but instead of letting these experiences limit him, he has used them as motivation to help others.
Over the past three years, Elias has volunteered with his local Roundtable and Ladies’ Circle, supporting their Christmas charity sleigh run. He was also the very first person to complete the Penistone Leisure Centre Youth Volunteer Programme in January last year and his skills scored him his first part-time work role at Barnsley FC.
Elias’ tenacity has seen him become a trainee volunteer presenter with Penistone FM, mentored by Nick Smart.
He has represented the station at many community events, including the Hobbies Show at Barnsley Civic and Penistone Gala.
The youngster has never shied away from leadership opportunities shown during his time as Deputy Head Boy at Penistone Grammar School.
Here, he dedicated time to supporting events and mentoring younger pupils with special educational needs, championing inclusion.
Elias demonstrated his journalistic flair last summer, when he attended a summer school hosted by MP Marie Tidball and was given the honour of attending the Houses of Parliament to present his research on reducing NHS waiting times.
He is also heavily involved with Barnsley College’s Student Union and also Chilypep, where he helped design a new board game being rolled out across the borough.
Elias’ mum, Claire, has been overwhelmed by her son’s can-do attitude that has pushed him through even the greatest of challenges.
She said: “We’re very proud of him.
“Elias is consistently polite, kind and eager to contribute.
Volunteering gave him purpose and he has embraced every opportunity to make a difference.
“He is a remarkable role model for other young people and an asset to every organisation he supports.
“His next ambition is to volunteer abroad.”
