A Physical Education teacher at Harris Academy in Dundee, who has helped almost 2000 pupils gain their Duke of Edinburgh award at all levels, has been awarded the MBE.
David Stibbles has run the Duke of Edinburgh group at the school for the past 31 years. He himself gained the award as a Boys' Brigade member. He has been a teacher for 33 years and after he started at Harris was asked to start a group at the school.
The number of awards Mr Stibbles has steered to completion with the help of other staff, former pupils and parents includes well over 1000 bronze, almost 600 silver and 391 gold.
Mr Stibbles is responsible for the administration of the award scheme but also runs the expedition section that goes out almost every weekend. He is married with a family of three, one son and two daughters.
Mr Stibbles said yesterday, "I didn't want to take it, to be honest, but someone, somewhere, put in a nomination so I was duty-bound not to let people down and my wife persuaded me. Obviously, it is a thank you for everything we have done, not just me. The school has always been involved and this is due to the support of various headmasters over the years and everyone who has put in the effort."
Taken from "The Courier", Saturday June 16, 2001