AN autistic adult with a passion for music has received a rotary award.

Yanick Maseko, a student at LEAP Specialist College in Newton-le-Willows, was awarded the Rotary Young Citizen Peacemaker Award for his impact on peers and the community.

He attended the Rotary Young Citizen Awards at St. Benedict’s High School with his mum and brother on Saturday, April 29, where he was awarded for his ongoing efforts.

As an autistic adult, 19-year-old Yanick uses music as a platform to break down barriers, diffuse misconceptions, and raise awareness of autism both locally and nationally.

Yanick has also represented LEAP Specialist College at a Natspec Student Parliament event and participated in discussions about how the college can become more involved in the local community and help to provide more social harmony and understanding.

Discussing his achievement, Yanick said: “It makes me so excited and proud to hear the news.

“I just want to thank everyone who is there for me and giving me a lot of support; it makes me feel so appreciated.”

Julliet Doherty, head of adult services at LEAP Specialist College, added: “Yanick is the perfect example of a student who, despite facing barriers, is challenging himself and others to be the best possible version of themselves.

“This is just the start of his journey, and I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for him.”

Eve Conway, founder of the Rotary Young Citizen Awards, shared how award judges were impressed by Yanick’s commitment to breaking down barriers.

The Rotary International Director-Elect said: “Yanick is a very impressive young man who, as an autistic adult himself, is determined to break down the barriers around autism using his music to do that.

“The Award judges were impressed with his determination to do this and to change attitudes within the local community and also to support his fellow students and chose him as the winner of the Rotary Young Citizen Peacemaker Award 2023."