French and Spanish teacher Arnault Kasa was presented with a Highly Commended award at the Herald Saroj Lal Award 2026, which celebrates the work of teachers who promote and facilitate a culture and ethos of equality and diversity.
A special assembly was held where staff, pupils, and Mr Kasa's family saw him receive the award from Vineet Lal, award panellist and son of the trailblazing teacher, race relations campaigner and community activist Saroj Lal who the award is named after.
Originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Arnault also lived in the Czech Republic, where he experienced racism first-hand, and this shaped his determination to challenge discrimination.
Throughout his teaching career, Mr Kasa has been driven by a commitment to ensuring every learner feels represented, respected and valued. His work helped embed anti-racist practice into everyday school life and encouraged meaningful conversations around identity, inclusion and representation.
The father of one, who is also a semi-professional footballer with Gala Fairydean Rovers, said: "I'm humbled and honoured to have received the Saroj Lal Award Highly Commended Certificate.
"I believe the assembly at Bathgate Academy provided a valuable opportunity for learners to reflect on the importance of anti-discrimination work and, most importantly, to recognise that they too can play a part in creating positive change.
"A huge thank you to the Lal family and to Vineet for continuing to keep Saroj Lal's legacy alive and inspiring the next generation."
Vineet Lal added: "It was a real pleasure and a privilege to present a Highly Commended certificate for The Herald Saroj Lal Award 2026 to Arnault Kasa at Bathgate Academy.
"We had an extraordinary response to the call for nominations this year - with some very inspiring candidates across the whole of Scotland - and Arnault impressed the judging panel with his strength of commitment, his resilience in the face of challenge, and his ability to engage with learners at all levels around issues related to equality and diversity.
"He is a wonderful role model for young people, and a perfect embodiment of what the Saroj Lal Award stands for."
