Courageous schoolgirl honoured for exceptional progress after losing mum
A determined schoolgirl whose life was ‘turned upside down’ after the tragic loss of her mum has been acknowledged for her exceptional progress and willingness to change despite the significant challenges she has faced.
Fourteen-year-old Maja Daniszewska, who attends Outwood Academy Kirkby in Kirkby-in-Ashfield, was honoured at the Nottinghamshire Police Nxt Gen Awards ceremony, which shines a light on the achievements of outstanding young people across Nottinghamshire.
Maja was chosen as a finalist for the School Empowerment Award, in recognition of her improved behaviour and positive attitude despite the extremely difficult personal challenges she has faced.
Maja was nominated by a Schools and Early Intervention Officer, PC Jemma Fenn, who said she had witnessed her ‘extraordinary journey of personal growth and resilience’ since she began working with Maja in April 2024.
PC Fenn said:
“When I first met her, Maja often struggled with behaviour and decision-making, frequently becoming involved in peer conflict and finding herself sanctioned as a result. Despite this, it was always clear she had enormous potential and a caring nature beneath the surface.
“Last year proved to be extremely difficult for Maja, as she faced the devastating loss of her mum. Her life was turned upside down, and this could easily have caused her to spiral, especially at such a vulnerable age, but actually, she has used it as a positive.
“Her younger brother moved into the family home, and she took on the responsibility of caring for him. She wanted to be a positive influence on him, to make sure that he didn’t make the choices and mistakes that she made.
“Her desire to steer her younger brother away from going down the wrong path shows the depth of her character and how far she has come.
"She is aware of what negative influences can lead to and is determined to break that cycle, not only for herself but for him as well.”
She added:
“Maja’s transformation has been nothing short of inspiring. At her first check-in of the 2025/2026 academic year, Maja set herself a clear and determined goal: to improve her grades and behaviour.
“From that moment onwards, she has worked tirelessly to achieve exactly that, with only a few hiccups along the way. Her dedication has been noticed by staff, peers and those closest to her.
“She now seeks out support when she needs it, instead of reacting impulsively to situations that once landed her in trouble. This shift alone shows remarkable self-awareness and emotional growth.
“With support from her learning managers, the school team, SEIO, and those around her, Maja has demonstrated maturity far beyond her years.
“She approached her grief and the obstacles it brought with courage and openness, and she allowed the adults supporting her to guide her through the toughest of times.
"I feel privileged to be one of those people she trusted to share this part of her life with.”
Maja, who is currently in Year 9, said:
“I used to be really bad in Year 7, but I feel like I’m doing way better now. I’ve started to focus more, and I think I’ve definitely improved.”
As well as caring for her younger brother, Maja also looks after her elderly father, who has also been a big factor in her progress.
She added:
“I really want to make my dad proud and really happy with what I do in school now.
“My teachers have helped me a lot, so I want to say a big thank you to them. If I’m upset, I can go to them and tell them how I’m feeling, and they help me a lot. I feel like I can definitely open up to them more now.”
The glittering Nxt Gen Awards ceremony - highlighting the inspirational achievements of young people from across Nottinghamshire – was held at the Nottinghamshire Police headquarters on Friday 8 May. More than 120 young people were nominated this year.
In total, 14 winners and runners-up were recognised on the night, honouring young people who have shown exceptional resilience, selflessness, and talent, or who have overcome adversity to inspire others.
