Pride of Guernsey: Jodie Mechem

Before Christmas, Jodie planned and organised a fundraising event and raised £1,400 for Dementia Friendly Guernsey.

She arranged for music performers and singers to come to the school and play a live concert, as well as a programme of performances from the school choir and orchestra.

Nominator Georgia Howe, who is a teacher at St Sampson’s High, said Jodie was part of the prom committee and, although the school had started fundraising for the event, it had to be called off due to the Covid-19 pandemic, meaning there was very little money in the prom fund.

‘However, due to her determination and kindness, Jodie managed to help plan the prom that her year group had always wanted before the island went into lockdown,’ Ms Howe said.

‘This included colour schemes and food.’

Jodie came into school most days despite already having finished and celebrated her leavers’ day.

‘She made decorations – my office will never be rid of glitter – and contacted local companies to see if they could donate their time or resources, meaning all the balloon decorations and the DJ set did not need to be covered at a cost,’ Ms Howe said.

Jodie also organised a raffle and gathered the prizes.

Ms Howe continued: ‘St Sampson’s High School would not have had their prom if it wasn’t for her hard work – and she did all this with a smile on her face.’

The nominator described Jodie as one of the most courageous and outstanding students who is always looking for ways to help other people.