Sam Hollis

Sam Hollis is an outstanding young man who exemplifies the Olympic spirit of excellence and fair play. A highly intelligent and creative graduate he works in St Aidan's C of E Academy in an area of social and economic deprivation. Through a variety of strategies including mentoring and sports coaching he raises aspiration and attainment in order that the students can make successful lives for themselves. He coaches the year 7 and 8 football teams instilling excellent ball skills, team work and a marvellous sense of camaraderie. He leads by example playing in two local football leagues. He has recently begun to coach cricket, an entirely new sport to St Aidan's C of E Academy. He is regularly seen with thirty youngsters practising four evenings a week. He raises the confidence and self esteem of his players in a community that lacks positive male role models. The students involvement in sport be it football, cricket, tennis or badminton diverts young men from the many highly destructive behaviours that are prevalent in area of East Darlington. Sam is also a highly effective form tutor who is highly respected by staff and students alike, As an extremely modest and self effacing young man, Sam Hollis deserves a chance to shine and would make an admirable torch bearer for the London 2012 games