A presentation on corporate social responsibility earned an island student the title of Appleby Academy winner.

Shanne Gutierrez of Ballakermeen High School has scooped a 10 week paid summer placement with Athol Street law firm Appleby.

Each year Appleby invites Year 13 students - aged 17 and 18 - to take part in a 12-week programme where they work alongside a mentor from Appleby to produce a report based on a real-life business scenario.

The top four students then present their ideas to a panel of judges for the chance to win the placement working alongside staff next summer.

The judges heard what they described as a range of informative and creative presentations at the final at Appleby’s office.

Sarah Quayle from Ramsey Grammar School outlined her business solution to human resources, while runner-up Finnola Martin and Amy Sellors from Castle Rushen High School and Shanne Gutierrez from Ballakermeen High School all focused on corporate social responsibility.

After lengthy deliberations from the judging panel, comprising Daphne Cain MHK, Lorna Trevethan of PDMS and Appleby corporate partners Claire Milne and Garry Manley, Shanne Gutierrez was announced as the winner.

Delighted Shanne said: ’The Appleby Academy has been a fantastic experience, helping me gain confidence in presenting and increasing my business knowledge.

’I am looking forward to my placement in the summer, where I can learn more about how a business operates.’

Garry Manley of Appleby said: ’The standard of presentations from this year’s students was incredibly high, and all four finalists had clearly put a tremendous amount of effort into their reports.

’They should be very proud of their work; it was really hard to pick a winner.

’I would like to congratulate Shanne on being crowned the winner of the 2019/20 programme.

’Her presentation was exceptional, and we look forward to welcoming her back in the summer.’

The Appleby Academy was launched in 2012 and is run in partnership with Junior Achievement Isle of Man.

Sue Cook, chief executive of Junior Achievement Isle of Man, said: ’The Appleby Academy provides an amazing opportunity to work in a paid placement over the summer period.

’The experience Shanne will gain while working for this international organisation will prove invaluable when she leaves education and seeks employment.

’I would like to thank Appleby for all their hard work and the support they have given to the students participating in this process.’