Summit Learning Trust Chair of the Board of Trustees Receives High Sheriff’s Award for Exceptional Community Contribution
Karen Crowston, Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Summit Learning Trust, was awarded the High Sheriff’s Award this week in celebration of her outstanding contributions to the community.
The ceremony held in Sutton Coldfield, celebrated the achievements of 25 recipients, including Karen, from across the West Midlands.
Karen has been an active volunteer with Summit Learning Trust for over 15 years and has served as the Chair of the Board of Trustees for the last five.
She has been a leading figure in the transformation of educational opportunities for children and young people in the West Midlands, particularly in areas of high deprivation.
This award recognises the difference she has made in the lives of thousands of young people and their families.
Karen’s oversight as Chair has supported the drive for improvement across Summit schools and their college, resulting in ongoing improvement in the academic performance of both disadvantaged and non-disadvantaged learners.
As Chair of Summit Learning Trust, Karen’s leadership was instrumental in securing support from the Board for the Summit Base Camp initiative, which ensures access to resources such as food, revision materials, digital devices, and cultural experiences for all learners. As an example of this work, the Trust are in their third year of offering free breakfast clubs to all the 8000 children and young people they serve.
Her commitment to the Trust has driven the success of the organisation, serving eight schools and a large college across Birmingham and Solihull.
Vince Green, Chief Executive of Summit Learning Trust said: “This award is greatly deserved. As a volunteer, Karen has selflessly devoted significant time and effort into working to create the best possible schools and college for our children and young people over many years.
We are grateful to our High Sheriff of the West Midlands, Douglas Wright MBE DL, for recognising the positive impact Karen’s leadership has had on the life chances of thousands of young people in our communities.”
Douglas Wright MBE DL, High Sheriff of the West Midlands, said:
“As High Sheriff of the West Midlands, I had the distinct honour of hosting a Multi-Faith Thank You Carol Service that brought our community together in celebration and unity. The incorporation of the High Sheriff Awards made the evening even more special allowing us to recognise the outstanding contributions of local individuals and organisations.
“A huge well done to all the recipients of the High Sheriff Awards! Your dedication and hard work make a significant difference in our community, and it was a privilege to celebrate your achievements.”