Our Young Stars winner: Marta does her school and parents proud (From News Shopper)

Marta does her school and parents proud

11:27am Wednesday 12th November 2008 in News

AFTER receiving hundreds of your votes, News Shopper readers have chosen Marta Dobrowolska as the winner of Our Young Stars.

Our competition has been running for the last two months, where you nominated youngsters who are making a success of their lives, the ones who don’t get the credit they deserve for the good things they do.

While there were many worthy winners, it was nine-year-old Marta from Mickleham Road, St Paul’s Cray, who came out as the overall winner for overcoming the challenges and difficulties of moving to a new country.

Born in Poland, she moved to the UK two years ago and could barely speak any English.

Now she is fluent and performing to extremely high standards in Year 5 at Midfield Primary School in Grovelands Road, Orpington.

Since leaving Poland, Marta has not only had to learn a new language, but adjust to a new climate, new culture and make new friends too.

Her father Tomasz Dobrowolska says he and Marta’s mother are very proud.

The 36-year-old construction worker said: “The school has been a big help to her, she knows how important working hard at school is.

“She’s like an adult, which is very impressive for a nine-year-old.”

Marta’s teacher Phil Le Conte, who nominated her, says everyone at the school is thrilled.

He said: “She has done exceptionally well.

“Having come from Poland with her family and settled down in a new country and school, the way she’s adapted to her new environment is remarkable. ”

As winner of the competition, Marta will receive £500 worth of vouchers to spend at the Glades shopping centre in Bromley.

She said: “When I came to this school I felt really scared as I didn't know anyone around here and I didn't know much English. But as time passed by I started to make friends, and I caught up on my English.

“I would like to thank my teacher, Mr Le Conte, and father for being very supportive.”