Moray Secondary School Pupil of the Year Ben Stewart aims to encourage more young people to take an interest in politics
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A LOCAL hero who has moved away to study is looking forward to encouraging even more young people to take an interest in politics.
Having left Forres Academy this summer, Secondary School Pupil of the Year, Ben Stewart (18), is now studying Politics at Stirling University.
"I'm really enjoying studying politics," he said. "Stirling itself is fantastic and the lecturers have a genuine passion for the subject, which makes it so much easier to learn!"
Last year, Ben set up a hustings for the local Moray elections specifically aimed at teenagers. He was also a member of Forres Community Council where he represented the views of local young people.
His efforts saw him named Secondary School Pupil of the Year at the Moray and Banffshire Heroes Awards.
He said: "Winning the award was an incredible surprise. I was delighted people voted for me to win. It showed how appreciative communities can be when you contribute to them."
Ben is currently running for the Scottish Youth Parliament to represent Moray's young people.
He eventually hopes to complete teacher training to become a Modern Studies teacher back in Moray.
He said: "I look forward to sparking more interest in politics in young people. I know it's possible - I'm a direct example!
"Getting them interested will get some involved, potentially creating a whole generation of politically active young people."
