A top student from Kirkbie Kendal School has clinched the Lamont Pridmore Business Student of the Year award for 2024.

Sasha Bernada, originally from Ukraine, has excelled in her business studies while studying in her second language.

Her ability to 'adapt and thrive amidst challenges,' coupled with her 'unwavering positive spirit', has set her apart from her peers.

The Lamont Pridmore award is given to students who have shown 'extraordinary' achievement in business studies.

It recognises Sasha's hard work and positive attitude towards her subject.

Mandy Booth, head of business at Kirkbie Kendal, put forward the nomination for the talented student.

Ms Booth said: "Sasha is an incredible example of resilience and enthusiasm.

"Despite the challenges of learning in a second language, she has a faultless attitude to learning and a strong desire to succeed.

"In addition, Sasha is modest, approachable with a delightful personality and thoroughly reliable."

With a 'fantastic' A Level grade under her belt, Sasha is now set to study finance at Lancaster University, supported by a scholarship from Janus Henderson Investors—one of only five awarded nationally.

Glenn Bond, director of financial services at Lamont Pridmore Asset and Wealth Management, presented Sasha with her engraved glass award and a book voucher just ahead of the Kirkbie Kendal School awards evening.

Mr Bond said: "It was an absolute pleasure to meet Sasha and celebrate her achievements.

"Her hard work and enthusiasm in business studies, and her other subjects, have brought real success.

"I have no doubt she will continue to excel in her university studies and look forward to hearing more about her in future."

Lamont Pridmore, a family-run firm of accountants, tax, and business advisers, is 'proud' to support schools in the area through awards like this, encouraging students to explore and excel in business studies.