West Nottinghamshire College students Mason Booth and Hewson Sheridan have been honoured at an annual celebration of inspirational children, teenagers and adults in Mansfield.
Mason (left) and Hewson were commended for their moral and spiritual courage in the face of personal adversity and difficulty.
They were amongst 12 individuals to be commended at the Mansfield Rotary Courage Awards after being nominated for overcoming adversity and succeeding against the odds.
Now in its 35th year, the event was hosted at Portland College, Mansfield, in front of the award-winners’ proud families, teachers and many special guests.
Those in attendance heard moving tributes about the nominees, who were congratulated by the deputy mayor of Mansfield, Cllr Craig Whitby; the president of Mansfield Rotary, Rotn Geoff Milnes, and special guest Jay Rowlinson, chief executive of Mansfield Forward BID.
Geoff explained how Mansfield Rotary invited schools and colleges to nominate a student who most exemplified moral and spiritual courage in the face of personal adversity and difficulty.
The award recipients all demonstrated the message that whatever is thrown your way, you can do things, you can succeed, and you can achieve – and success is measured by your own rules; you don’t have to conform to what society tells you is success.
It might be overcoming anxieties, living with serious illnesses, coping with an accident, incident or death, or even simply just raising a smile.
Electrical installations student Mason and brickwork student Hewson joined other winners in receiving engraved plaques from the Rotary president and civic citations from the deputy mayor.
Determined Mason has shown exceptional strength of character and resilience to continue his studies as a tribute to his dad, who passed away suddenly in November.
He has been inspirational in dealing with an unimaginably challenging period in his life, displaying maturity beyond his 17 years.
Robert Hardwick, electrical installations teacher, who nominated the teenager, said: “Despite the profound shock and grief that accompanied such a loss, Mason chose to continue attending college with no initial time away.
“He kept up with his studies, participated in lessons, and attempted to maintain a sense of normality. I fully expected to lose Mason, both physically and mentally, but when I took him aside to offer support, he responded with a level of composure and clarity that was both inspiring and deeply moving.
“He explained that his motivation for continuing with college was rooted in his desire to honour his father’s memory, saying it was what his dad would have wanted.
“This brief statement encapsulated not only his grief, but also his determination, respect, and love for his father. It demonstrated a level of stoicism and maturity far beyond his years.”
Mason was presented with a civic citation and engraved plaque. He is pictured with (from left) Mansfield Rotary president Geoff Milnes, electrical installations teacher Robert Hardwick and deputy mayor of Mansfield Cllr Craig Whitby.
Mason continues to perform well on the Beginners Electrical Installation Level 1 course, engaging positively in practical sessions, producing a strong calibre of work and passing all online assessments assigned to him so far. He also consistently acts as a positive role model within the classroom environment.
Just before Christmas, Mason attended a job interview and secured a part-time temporary retail position, highlighting how he has continued to make responsible and forward-looking choices for his future while navigating grief.
Robert added: “Mason is highly deserving of recognition. To have gone through such an intense loss, at such a pivotal time in a young person’s life, is a tragedy of unimaginable magnitude. To cope in the manner he has is inspiring.”
Away from college, Mason enjoys surfing, snowboarding, spending time with his friends, and listening to music. One day he would like to move to Australia because his dad grew up there and he has always wanted to go.
Resilient Hewson was recognised for the exceptional moral, emotional, and personal courage he demonstrates daily in the face of significant adversity.
He is excelling in his chosen vocation on the Beginners Diploma in Bricklaying Level 1 course, but it is his personal journey and strength of character that set him apart. After living in care for several years, Hewson has encountered a particularly difficult transition into adulthood as he moves into independent living, having recently turned 18.
Mark Shaw, programme area leader for construction crafts, who nominated Hewson, said: “This change has brought significant emotional trauma and mental health challenges, and the pressure of managing adult responsibilities at a very young age.
“Despite these difficulties, Hewson has shown remarkable resilience and maturity. Rather than allowing these challenges to hinder his progress, he has faced them with determination, courage, and a clear sense of purpose.”
Hewson, a Nottingham Forest FC fan, has relocated to Worksop and undertakes a lengthy commute by train to college each day, but his attendance remains exemplary. This demonstrates not only his dedication to learning, but also his refusal to allow circumstances to become a barrier to achieving his goals.
Hewson receives his civic citation and engraved plaque from Mansfield Rotary president Geoff Milnes (first left) and deputy mayor of Mansfield Cllr Craig Whitby (first right), joined by his brickwork teacher Mark Shaw.
Mark added: “What truly exemplifies Hewson’s moral and spiritual courage is his willingness to use his experiences to support and educate others.
“Hewson regularly gives talks to college teaching staff about what life is really like for a teenager living in care. These sessions require honesty, vulnerability, and emotional strength, yet Hewson approaches them with confidence and compassion.
“Through sharing his story, he helps professionals better understand the realities faced by young people in care and contributes positively to improving support for others in similar situations.
“Hewson’s journey is one of perseverance, integrity, and quiet determination. He does not seek recognition, yet he consistently demonstrates the courage to face adversity head-on, while continuing to grow personally, academically, and emotionally.”
Hewson, who particularly enjoys bricklaying at college because he finds it relaxing and therapeutic, one day hopes to have his own construction business and employ people who need the most help.
Hewson and Mason (back row, fourth and fifth right) pictured with the other Courage Awards recipients, joined by Jay Rowlinson from Mansfield Forward BID, Rotary president Geoff Milnes, Les Marshall, of event sponsor Schools Mutual Services, and deputy mayor of Mansfield Cllr Craig Whitby.
Click below to see Mason on his electrical installations course at college:
Click below to see Hewson on his brickwork course at college: