College student’s civic commitment earns regional honour
A Sandwell Colleges public services student, Reice James, has been formally recognised by the Lord‑Lieutenant of the West Midlands, Derrick Anderson CBE, with the Young Active Citizen Award. The accolade, in the 15 to 18 category, highlights his sustained commitment to community service, youth leadership and civic engagement rooted in the Commonwealth values of humanity, equality and diversity.
James was nominated by lecturer Amarjit Uppal and, in a separate recognition at the college’s Celebrating Excellence event, received the Principal’s Award from Lisa Capper MBE, the college’s CEO and Principal. College leaders pointed to his positive impact within and beyond the campus, using his skills to support others and strengthen communities.
From school advocacy to college leadership
His record of service began in primary school, where he supported younger pupils and helped to create safer, more inclusive environments by representing peers’ views and contributing to changes within school communities. A year’s delay for a neurodiversity assessment meant he was held back during his schooling; James used that experience to champion inclusion and assist others facing similar barriers, demonstrating notable resilience and self‑advocacy.
At Sandwell Colleges, James serves as a Student Union campus officer. He has helped organise and deliver cultural and awareness activities, including Black History Month and Diwali events, designed to promote understanding, representation and cohesion across the student body. He has also presented to college governors to ensure that student perspectives are heard at senior level.
Health awareness and donor advocacy
Motivated in part by his mixed‑race heritage and the demand for greater donor diversity, James is a registered blood and stem cell donor. He led the Student Union’s Men’s Health Month initiative, creating a pop‑up information point with interactive activities, resources and fundraising to challenge stigma and increase awareness.
His involvement has extended to discussions around the future of employment for young people in the wider region, contributing to conversations about opportunities and support for those entering the labour market.
What the awards recognise
The two accolades spotlight different aspects of his contribution: one reflecting county‑level civic recognition, the other the college’s internal commendation of student impact.
| Award | Presenter | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Young Active Citizen Award (15–18) | Lord‑Lieutenant of the West Midlands, Derrick Anderson CBE | Community service, youth leadership, civic engagement |
| Principal’s Award | Lisa Capper MBE, CEO and Principal | Positive impact at Sandwell Colleges and support for others |
Local significance for Sandwell
For residents, James’s recognition reflects the breadth of student‑led activity taking place across Sandwell’s further education community. The college’s Student Union platform has enabled events that celebrate cultural heritage and drive inclusion. Practical projects—such as blood and stem cell donor advocacy and men’s health awareness—illustrate how student action can address public health needs, while presentations to governors underscore growing expectations that students help shape institutional decisions affecting their education.
- Student‑led initiatives have promoted cultural understanding and civic participation on campus.
- Health awareness work has combined information, engagement and fundraising to reach peers.
- Direct input to college governance has ensured student perspectives inform senior decision‑making.
James’s journey—from early peer support in primary school to regional recognition—shows how lived experience, including facing delays in assessment and progression, can translate into advocacy for inclusion. In Sandwell’s diverse communities, that approach connects directly to ongoing efforts to widen participation, improve representation and support equitable access to opportunities.
