A teacher has received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service — the highest award given to voluntary groups in the UK — for her work with Scouts.

Alisha Wilmot, who teaches pupils with profound and multiple learning disabilities at Yeoman Park Academy — part of the Diverse Academies Trust — is a leader of 3rd Eastwood Scout group.

She oversees all the sections and leads volunteers in the group of around 65 young people and 13 volunteers.

“I was very surprised to be awarded this honour,” she said. “I have been in scouting since the age of five, so it is something I have always done and been proud of.”

Alisha learned of the honour from the Queen as part of her majesty’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June, with the official presentation taking place in November

The award recognises the work the group did throughout the pandemic, running weekly online sessions such as bingo, family quizzes, and an online camp.

Alisha and her mother also drove to the houses of young members, dropping off activity books and items needed to complete activities to ensure no child missed out.

Joe Barker, district commissioner, said: “I would like to thank Alisha for her hard work over the last two years in her role as group scout leader, a huge congratulations to her, and everyone involved in Nottinghamshire Scouts, on receiving this fantastic award.”
Yeoman Park said it was proud of its teacher’s community work.

Principal Courtney Hoop added: “This award reflects the compassion, selflessness and dedication to others that Alisha has in abundance, both within her role in our academy and in her personal life. We are delighted and proud of the recognition of her hard work — she is an asset to Yeoman Park Academy.”

The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by local volunteer groups to benefit their communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate The Queen’s Golden Jubilee.