THREE “massive role models” have been presented with prestigious awards after leaving Knox Academy.

Former Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYP) Angus Langlands, Leo Washington-Mackay and Sarah Greenwell received their stage three Prince’s Trust awards on October 16 outside the Haddington secondary school.

The former pupils, who have additional needs, left the school earlier this year and had spent three years working towards the award.

Karen Fraser, school welfare assistant at Knox Academy, praised the trio for their determination.

She said: “The Prince’s Trust award is given to people who have provided support, volunteering to the community, endeavour and shown community spirit.

“All three of Angus, Leo and Sarah have additional needs and all required support within the school to help them achieve the award.

“They have made Christmas cakes, they volunteered – Sarah at Knox Academy Meadowpark and The Loft – and both Sarah and Angus were pupil librarians as well.

“Angus raised money for charity by making Christmas cards and they all had work experience throughout their years at the school.

“Leo was an assistant Scout leader while Angus was a senior prefect and a member of the school’s achievements committee.

“I could go on and on and on.”

Outside of school, the trio, who are all 18, demonstrated their green-fingered skills at last year’s Royal Highland Show.

Together, they had to plan and create a garden from scratch, with their efforts rewarded with a prize.

Mrs Fraser highlighted what Angus, Leo and Sarah, all from Haddington, got out of the award, which recognises young people who have succeeded against the odds.

Speaking before they received the awards, she was delighted to see the presentation taking place.

It came after the youngsters were unable to have a leaving ceremony or prom due to coronavirus restrictions.

Mrs Fraser added: “They get personal development, independence and a phenomenal sense of achievement from them.

“That is partly why they are going to be presented with the awards.

“The whole ethos as a whole school community is there is nothing that cannot be achieved if you put your mind to it.

“They were very dogged in their determination to achieve what they achieved.

“They are massive role models for younger pupils coming through the school.”