Marta receiving her Gold Award from Sandwell College Principal Graham Pennington
Central Sixth student Marta Szmyt is truly a golden girl after achieving the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award.
The A Level History, Philosophy and Biology student volunteered as a group leader for 18 months with Walsall Pathfinders & Adventurers.
Club director Cherry Scarlett said: “Marta has gained a lot of confidence in her creative abilities, which makes her a fantastic teacher. Her dedication, attendance (she didn’t miss one meeting), organisation and talent can be seen in the achievement of her students.”
The 19-year-old former Blue Coat C of E Academy student also spent 12 months improving her physical fitness in the gym and learned to play the ukulele from scratch in six months.
Marta then braved a four-day expedition in the wild, firstly practising in the Clee Hills and Peak District, and finally qualifying in Dartmoor, as well as completing a week of Classical Civilisation & Ancient History summer school.
DofE Gold Expedition Assessor, Nick Muir, said: “Marta coped extremely well with the very challenging conditions of Dartmoor. They encountered wind, rain, mist, drizzle and a little sunshine on the last day. I suspect this young lady works well under pressure and very confidently. Well done – a pleasure to assess.”
Sandwell College DofE Manager, David Hughes, said: “Marta, you have been a star, putting in great efforts in all you do. You completed your expedition in terrible weather but wouldn’t give up, you have been a great volunteer leader at Pathfinders and learnt new skills. Well done, a great example to others.”
For the past seven decades, the DofE charity has inspired and transformed the lives of millions of young people from all walks of life. From volunteering to physical activities, life skills to expeditions, achieving a DofE Award is a passport to a brighter future, valued by employers and universities.
Marta is now awaiting her A Level results after being offered university places at Nottingham and Birmingham to study a degree in Ancient History.
Marta (second from right) on expedition in the Peak District
