A 16-YEAR-old Pensnett boy is celebrating after being awarded the Diana Award for perseverance in the face in adversity.
Tarandeep Singh Kapur was nominated for the accolade, awarded in memory of Princess Diana, by his school - Pensnett School of Technology.
Tarandeep only came to England in 2005 after fleeing war torn Afghanistan with his family and on the difficult journey to safety, his father went missing.
Three years on and Tarandeep's father has not yet been found, but the youngster still makes frequent visits to London to enquire at the Embassy if there has been any news of his dad.
As a result of his father's disappearance, the teenager has had to take on the role of the head of the household at home.
But despite his personal troubles, Tarandeep strived at school and since arriving in the country with very limited knowledge of the language, he is now able to fully understand and communicate in English. He is also able to help staff communicate with other students in a variety of other languages.
As well as concentrating on his studies, Tarandeep also finds time to mentor younger students and attends homework club, breakfast club and Saturday school.
The year 11 student, who is currently sitting his GCSE exams has even been offered a place at King Edward VI College in Stourbridge - without an interview.
His recent work experience placement report also claimed "they had never had such a fantastic student before."
The school's Student Achievement Manager for Behaviour, Rachel Coombs, who nominated Tarandeep for the award, said: "Tarandeep takes a full and active role in the school life at Pensnett. He is a charming and polite young man and thoroughly deserves to receive this award for perseverance in the face of adversity.
The Diana awards were founded in 1999 by the government to celebrate the courage, commitment, compassion and selfless service of young people aged 12 to 18.
