Talented young artist takes High School Pupil of the Year honour

Before finding his passion for art and animation, Nathan Jack struggled to express himself.

Nathan Jack’s youth leader Nuvvy Sibia said: “When I first met Nathan Jack in October 2023, he was a shell of a young person.

“No eye contact, no confidence and his self-esteem was simply zero.

“Nathan Jack has a diagnosis of selective mutism and autism.

“The whole concept of friendships and new challenges were just way beyond his reach.”

However, since engaging with the Buddy Up programme provided by Warrington Youth Zone, Nathan Jack has grown with the support of two volunteers - Lucy and Annie.

Nathan Jack’s mum Amy says he has thrown himself into being an advocate for young people with autism, who are finding life a challenge.

Nathan Jack is a talented artist and advocate for youngsters with autism

She added: “His ethos and his message to all is ‘to be kind’ and to ‘believe that you will find your people’.

“Through his determination and his energy, he has highlighted the importance of encouraging people to be more supporting and less judgmental to those who have autism.”

WATCH: Nathan Jack Gerrard is our High School Pupil of the Year

Nathan Jack, who is a pupil at Sir Thomas Boteler CE High School, has discovered a talent for creating animations through illustrations and graphics, which he uses to spread his message of support for other young people leading similar lives.

Nathan Jack is working hard to ensure his work reaches as many people as possible with his autism animation being used by SENCO teams, ASD nurse specialists and national charities.

Beverley Scott-Herron, head teacher of Sir Thomas Boteler CE High School, said: “Nathan Jack is a real inspiration who never gives up and strives to overcome any barrier he faces.

“It is hard to quantify the impact he has on others because it is something so unique and special that it just stays with you.

“He is a very talented artist and created a piece of artwork which said ‘never let anyone dull your sparkle’.

“Nathan Jack saw that I was having a bad day, so created the artwork for me to look at when things were not quite going to plan.

“I do look at it every day and it makes me smile.”

Award winner Nath Jack Gerrard and Sir Thomas Boteler head teacher Beverley Scott-Herron

She added: “Nathan Jack has made so much progress this year.

“We are very proud that he is a part of our Boteler family, and we look forward to seeing him develop further.”