Thi year has been difficult for all of our counties pupils, with everyone of them deserving an award for getting through a year like no other.

With exam struggles and test stress combined with a year of schooling that has been disrupted with lockdown's and testing every week- pupils have faced their struggles head on.

But we can’t give an award to everyone and three pupils in our county stood out especially for how they have handled the past year.

Here are your nominations for this years Golden Apple Awards Pupil of the Year:

Jack Griffiths from Furness College has overcome several personal challenges to excel in his studies – in turn becoming a role model to others and inspiring his tutors.

He initially found remote learning a significant and frustrating challenge, however quickly adapted to the new challenge and has even praised the new way of learning as making him more independent.

Jack ,said : “It’s amazing to be nominated. I think I was nominated because I’ve done well with my studies.

"I’m really looking forward to the event, I hope I win!”

In the future, Jack has the ambition of working in the media industry designing media graphics, producing flyers and posters and creating large presentations.

Cody Coupe, a year 7 pupil at Ulverston Victoria High School has also been shortlisted for the Best Student Award.

During lockdown Cody attended every lesson online, was often the first there, and offered some great contributions.

His teachers were really impressed with his attitude and maturity, and he ensured he stayed up-to-date with everything.

Aswell as school work,Cody worked to try and help the environment during lockdown ,

The teenager wanted to make sure others were looked after and had things to look forward to and enjoy. Cody, off his own back, spent many, many hours at nearby beaches, cleaning them up.

He went with bags, gloves and grabbers and picked up what can only be described as a shocking amount of litter.

Cody said: "I am delighted to have ended up in the final for the golden apple award.

"I never would have expected to get here and I am so grateful to have been nominated."

Jack Fleming has attended Energy Coast UTC for the past four years; Jack joined as a Year 9 students, embarking upon his GCSE studies a year early demonstrating his commitment to personal progression in both an academic and vocational sense.

Since joining the school Jack has been appointed to a role on the student council, in which he has helped many pupils during their time at the college.

Some pupils have said that they were petrified when starting at the school and Jack was continuously there for them.

Jack said he has felt honoured to have been nominated for the award of best student and paid special tribute to Kerry Irving, the school's Vice- Principal.

He said: "I would just like to thank her her for everything she has done for me."

Jack is also involved in the Whitehaven Cadets and was recently awarded a Lord lieutenant's medal for his services

Jack’s Commanding Officer, P.O. (SCC) Stuart McCourt, said: “It is great news that…Jack has been recognised with such prestigious awards for all [his] hard work over the last year.

“It is a fitting testament to [his] character that both awards have been earned through selflessly supporting others and making sure that nobody felt left behind or left out during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“All of us at Whitehaven unit are delighted.”