Moray and Banffshire Heroes: Inspirational Forres Academy pupil
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INSPIRING other young people to take an active interest in politics and the democratic process is a passion for Ben Stewart.
The 17-year-old Forres Academy pupil set up a hustings for the local Moray elections specifically aimed at teenagers.
And Ben is a member of the local community council where he represents the views of the younger people of Forres.
His efforts saw him named Secondary School Pupil of the Year at the Moray and Banffshire Heroes Awards.
"Getting young people in and voting and I would like a more direct way of doing that. And so being a teacher I could encourage young people to get involved," he said.
"A big thing about young people is not voting. It is really important to have your say."
Ben is about to sit his final exams before going on to study politics at Stirling University before then doing teacher training to become a modern studies teacher.
"It will be my first time moving away from Forres so it will be a bit nerve-racking, but I am looking forward to it."
"I would like to come back to Moray to teach."
He was delighted to win the secondary pupil award – sponsored by UHI Moray.
"I am chuffed to bits and didn't expect it at all," he said.
