Hammersmith Academy students including Oluwhjuwon Komolafe (top right) and Leonard Owedyk (bottom right) pose with their medals and H&F's Deputy Youth Mayor Niamh Faleye
More than 50 young people from Hammersmith & Fulham have been honoured with Jack Petchey awards for their hard work and achievements.
Students from Cambridge School, Hammersmith Academy, Lady Margaret School, William Morris Sixth Form, Fulham Cross Academy, Hurlingham Academy and Fulham Cross Girl's School were presented with their medals by Niamh Faleye, H&F's Deputy Youth Mayor.
Winners also received money for their schools, that could be spent on an activity or resource of their choosing. They had been nominated by teachers and classmates for going above and beyond and achieving success in challenging scenarios.
"Congratulations to everyone who won an award on Monday," said Cllr Alex Sanderson, H&F Cabinet Member for Children and Education. "It's fantastic to hear about the determination and kindness that H&F pupils are bringing to school."
Excellence across the board
Fifty-four winners were celebrated for a diverse range of successes, including volunteering at youth groups in their free time.
Oluwhjuwon Komolafe, 16, from Hammersmith Academy, received an award for his positivity and achievements in sport. "This was my first time walking up on stage to collect an award and I was very nervous," he said. "Alongside my studies, I play on the school basketball and football teams. It's a lot of work so I have to balance my responsibilities. I spent the prize money on a Key Stage 4 trip to Thorpe Park as a reward for all our hard work."
Leonard Owedyk, 12, from Hammersmith Academy, was nominated for embodying the culture and values of his school. "I won my award for being kind and because I'm a positive role model. I'm friendly to everyone and was actually nominated by my peers," he said.
"I'm spending my award money on a greenhouse for the school garden. It's been really fun winning an award." The students who nominated Leonard described him as helpful, kind and thoughtful.
Personal achievements
Aisha Salia, 14, from Lady Margaret School, was nominated for supporting those around her. She explained: "My form group and my teacher nominated me for the award – I wasn't expecting it at all, as I have never won an award before.
"I try and support my friends and encourage them to do fun activities like baking and singing to help their mental health. I'm going to spend the money I won on well-being resources for my year group, like colouring books and pencils for our well-being hub and books for the library."
Classmate Maxima Rodrigues Garcia, 14, also won an award for being an excellent member of the school's community. "I won my award for being independent at school, showing resilience and working hard. I'm spending some of my award money on Netball bibs and balls and the rest on plastic for my class's GCSE DT work."
On the night
The prize-winners were treated to three live performances throughout the night, including a rendition of Elton John's Your Song by local performer Kaecey Bell-Ricketts and a choreographed dance routine.
"Going up on stage to collect it was a little daunting, but it's been a really nice evening. The performances were the best part for me, they looked really good," Maxima added.
Teacher honoured
Ondraya Morris, a Maths teacher at the Hurlingham Academy, was honoured with a Leader Award for her dedication to staff and students. "She's phenomenal and to see her get the recognition she deserves was lovely," said Niamh.
Jack Petchey Foundation
Secondary schools and 'not for profit' clubs and youth groups who work with young people aged 11-25 can apply to join the Jack Petchey achievement awards scheme.
Once registered, staff and peers can nominate young people who are trying their best and excelling at school or in their home lives.
Find out more about the Jack Petchey achievement awards here.
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