THE 10 young Arctic explorers from Lochgelly High School received a prestigious Polar Academy Medal at a special awards ceremony hosted by Lord Elgin at Broomhall House on Thursday evening.

The medals were presented to the expedition team of seven girls and three boys in recognition of their courage and achievements after they completed a life-changing 14-day and 100km expedition in Eastern Greenland with the charity, The Polar Academy.

The medals presented by the parent or guardian of each youth and in front of more than 100 special guests.

The Polar Academy 2018 Expedition Team: was Morgan Adam, 14, Kieran Burns, 14, Daisy George, 14, Megan Hargrave, 16, Conner Harper, 16, Carla Masterton, 14, Carol Ann Penrose, headteacher, Daniel Pratt, 17, Hannah Reid, 15, Lauren Scott, 14, and Carrie Wotherspoon,14.

Throughout their expedition, the youths aged between 14-17 years old and their head teacher Carol Ann Penrose, braved snow-storms and temperatures as low as -25C. The team camped on sea ice and visited Inuit villages and throughout the journey, each pupil was required to haul his or her own 45kg sled.

The Polar Academy was founded in 2013 by Craig Mathieson, Scotland’s greatest living Polar explorer, to inspire youths struggling with lack of confidence and low self esteem to transform their lives through exploration.

Paying tribute to the magnitude of the pupils’ achievements, Craig said: “These pupils have achieved the extraordinary by pushing themselves physically and mentally to the limit.

"Their rekindled sense of self-confidence is evident to all. They are more than ready to inspire others struggling with self-confidence and esteem to take that first vital step to change their lives for the better. Each is deserving of a rare and coveted Polar Academy Medal.”

Lord Elgin said: “The Family is delighted to be involved with a truly worthwhile cause such as The Polar Academy.

"It is a great pleasure to welcome the Lochgelly team on their safe return to Scotland and to host the awards ceremony at Broomhall House.

“In the Year of Young People 2018, we are delighted to support this adventurous group of Fife students, who are learning valuable leadership and life skills. I am sure they have benefited enormously from their experiences with the Academy and we are very happy to work with such an inspiring organisation.”

Like the participants of three previous Polar Academy expeditions, each of the pupils will now share their personal account of being part of The Polar Academy with their peer groups in Fife and throughout Scotland. In just four years, more than 60,000 school-aged children have been engaged by the charity.

Thursday night also saw two members of The Polar Academy Leadership Team receive a Polar Academy Medal to recognise their commitment to undertake rigorous physical training and personal sacrifices during the eight-month period between selection and the departure to Greenland of the expedition team.

Craig Mathieson’s fellow guides, Nigel Williams (Glenmore Lodge by Aviemore) and George MacHardy and expedition doctor Naomi Dodds also received a special Polar Academy Medal.