Teenager honoured by Lord Mayor for outstanding contributions to city

A bright young star from Leeds is making headlines after being recognised by the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung, for her remarkable contributions to civic life, education, and youth development across the city and West Yorkshire.

Miran Eamon Almass, a dedicated student From Cockburn School South Leeds and an exemplary member of the RAF Air Cadets, was recently awarded a prestigious Certificate of Appreciation by the Lord Mayor during a special ceremony at Leeds Civic Hall. Representing the City of Leeds 168 Squadron, Miran has shown unwavering commitment to discipline, leadership, and public service through her cadetship, inspiring peers and commanding admiration from leaders across the region.

But Miran’s achievements do not stop there.

In another impressive stride, she has been selected to attend the University of Cambridge King’s College as part of the elite ‘Calculating Women’ programme, aimed at nurturing mathematical talent in young women from diverse backgrounds. This opportunity places her amongst the most promising young minds in the country and highlights her academic brilliance in STEM, a field where British Muslim girls remain significantly underrepresented.

As a passionate musician, Mirren also serves as a key member of her school’s music Orchestra and is an accomplished viola player. Her musical dedication reflects the well rounded character that has come to define her journey: intellectually curious, civically engaged, and creatively gifted.

Equally impressive is her environmental advocacy. As a proud youth representative of the Green Futures climate action group, Miran has contributed meaningfully to campaigns and educational initiatives aimed at combating climate change and protecting our natural world. Her voice has been a powerful force for sustainability and environmental awareness, ensuring that young people have a seat at the table in conversations about the planet’s future.

Miran’s list of accolades is a testament to her hard work, humility, and sense of social responsibility. Her example is not only a source of pride for her school and community, but also a symbol of aspiration for young people across the United Kingdom, especially young British Muslim girls who look to her story as proof that dreams are within reach.

Her younger sister, Maysoon, is also shining in her own right excelling in her studies and taking part in numerous extra-curricular endeavours. Together, the sisters represent a new generation of socially conscious, motivated young women redefining what it means to be leaders of tomorrow.

Miran said, “I’m deeply honoured to have received this recognition, I’m proud of my heritage and history coming from a family of dedicated and decorated soldiers,my father is a source of strength for me and my mother is my best friend. My journey has only just begun, and I hope to continue making my family, school, and city proud.”

Their parents, deeply involved in both civic and community life in Leeds, her father Gohar Almass was the city’s Armed Forces Champion as a councillor, expressed immense pride in their daughters’ achievements, said, “Our daughters are our pride and We are incredibly proud of Miran and Maysoun. Their dedication, humility and determination are a daily inspiration to us as well.We hope their story encourages other young people to believe in themselves and work towards a brighter future.”

Miran’s message to the youth of today is clear: Aim high, work hard, and believe in yourself. Impossible is nothing !!!

As a British Muslim female role model, Miran is not only lifting the aspirations of her own generation but is also forging a path for those who will follow in her footsteps. Her journey is proof that with passion and perseverance, the sky is not the limit—it’s just the beginning.