A BARRHEAD student has been recognised at a prestigious national event.

Kira Henry, who is a former pupil of Barrhead High School, was shortlisted for the Positive Role Model Award at the National Diversity Awards, which recognises people for their devotion to enhancing equality and inclusion in their community.

The awards celebrates the achievements of communities that tackle the issues in today’s society, giving them recognition for their dedication and hard work.

And 18-year-old Kira, who is hoping to a sports related course in university next year, told the Barrhead News she feels “incredibly lucky” to be shortlisted.

She said: “I’ve been incredibly lucky over the last six years to have been involved in so many different organisations and projects that have allowed me to gain recognition like this.

“Without the staff from Barrhead High, Include Me 2 Club and so many more, I wouldn’t have been able to do half of the things I’ve managed to do.

“I couldn’t be more grateful for all the support I’ve received from everyone around me, helping me to move rocks out of my path and allowing me to continue the work I’ve started.”

Kira has lived with her grandparents for 14 years, meaning she is in kinship care, but due to changes in their health, she was pulled into a caring role.

“Over the last few years, the dynamics of the house have changed, along with overall health, pulling me into more of a caring role as a young carer for my gran,” she added.

“Through my different roles and experiences in personal and professional capacities, I’m prone to witnessing an issue and then working tirelessly until I’ve come up with a solution, whether it be a social injustice, educational barriers or environmental issues.

“Small acts of kindness have a special place in my heart and are something I make a priority, no matter how silly it may be.”

Paul Sesay, founder and CEO of the National Diversity Awards, said: “During challenging times, it is now more important than ever to recognise our nation’s unsung role models.

“The UK has truly embraced the spirit of The National Diversity Awards by uniting through adversity to create a host of incredible initiatives. The profound impact made by all our nominees is astonishing and I feel personally encouraged to know that so many lives are being changed for the better.”

The winners will be announced on February 4 next year, in a special ceremony at the Anglican Cathedral, in Liverpool.