The event took place at Boston West Golf Centre on Monday 20th
March 2017, where the Mayor of Boston awarded the nominees with a Civic
Citation and an engraved salver presented by the Governor of Rotary District
1070.
Amy Holmes and Ryan Smith were both nominated by their
course areas at Boston College who have been inspired by their stories.
Amy, who currently studies Performing Arts,
is diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa, a condition affecting the retina at the
back of her eyes, causing her progressive sight loss. Linda Thompson-Wild,
Performing Arts Lecturer, who nominated Amy said, “Amy started Boston College
very shy and it can be very daunting coming into a new environment, especially
when compounded by the fact she is visually impaired. Amy has however, rose
above the challenge and developed strategies to ensure she meets her full
potential.” Her dream is to become a professional dancer and she is currently
preparing an audition piece for the dance company CandoCo.
Ryan Smith studies
Foundation at Boston Colleges Ingelow Centre and is hoping next year to start
an Engineering course at Boston College. Carol Hanford, Programme area Manager
for Foundation, said “In July 2013, Ryan was involved in a road
traffic accident whilst cycling and as a result, he sustained a traumatic brain
injury. Ryan now uses a wheelchair and experiences difficulties with his
memory, orientation, attention and processing and his speech is moderately
reduced. He started at Boston College in early September 2016 and his
attendance is 100%. He always arrives in a cheerful mood and ready to take part
in all the activities."
After Ryan received his award, Mark Smith, Ryan’s Dad said, “A
Massive thanks to Boston College and all the staff for their on-going support.
It has been a fantastic year for Ryan and as a family we have seen huge
improvements in his speech and cognitively. I constantly receive great positive
feedback from the staff and I am extremely proud of him.”
Both students are an inspiration to all those who know and work
with them and thoroughly deserved their awards.