Sarah Tosney

Nelson Mandela said 'education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world', and Sarah changes the world on a daily basis. She should be a torchbearer as in doing so, she perfectly represents the Olympic values. Indeed, in her role as a teacher she not only models these, she encourages young people to follow them in school and the wider community. Sarah is an incredibly inspirational teacher, and extremely dedicated to her role as a Head of Year at her school. In preparation for the Olympic games she has introduced an Olympic project within her year group, culminating in their own mini Olympic games! The pupils have engaged with this overwhelmingly, collecting points for their 'country'. This has inspired the pupils to show respect for each other, to strive for excellence in their studies and to show friendship for each other. Pupils and staff have all commented on what a positive impact this has had on the year group. Sarah is not only dedicated to the pupils in her year group, but across the city as well. For example, in the summer she is leading an expedition to Tanzania with pupils from three of the city's schools. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity will see the pupils climb Mt. Meru and visit a local school amongst other activities. Not only has she organised this trip, she has led the fundraising to allow all students the opportunity to take part - £35,000 in total. As a teacher myself I am constantly in awe of her passion for her work.