The young people, aged between 10 and 17 years-old, were shortlisted from a total of 70 nominees for Community Achievement and Regular School Attendance Awards (CARAAs), which is a new initiative by East Sussex County Council to raise awareness of the benefits of good school attendance and recognise good citizenship.
Councillor Keith Glazier, Lead Cabinet Member for Education at the County Council, said: "These awards recognise the unsung heroes of our community; those who are working away quietly, not necessarily finding school or learning easy, but turning up all the same, and giving something extra to their community or environment.
"It was a privilege to witness the efforts of young people – and the families who support them – who care enough about their community or environment to take responsibility for it and contribute in so many ways.”
Twelve of the 30 shortlisted youngsters were judged to be exceptional, with high levels of attendance and community contributions which included regular and sustained support to foster children; looked-after children; children and young people with disabilities; as well as mentoring and helping younger children with sport or reading; organising fundraising events and environmental campaigns; championing anti-bullying campaigns, pupil support and behaviour programmes; and organising parties for children living in temporary accommodation due to domestic violence. These young people were awarded trophies:
- Kieran Beal from Tideway School in Newhaven
- Charlotte Harris from Hailsham Community College, Hailsham
- Chris Hough from Manor Primary School, Uckfield
- Zac Jones from Bexhill High School, Bexhill
- Mathew Lewis from Claverham Community College, Battle
- Grant Maynard from Manor Primary School, Uckfield
- James Mockridge from Filsham Valley School, Hastings
- Natalie Paris from Bexhill High School, Bexhill
- Sian Rowe from Plumpton Primary School, Plumpton Green
- Elissa Seddon from Helenswood School, Hastings
- Wayne Taylor from William Parker Sports College, Hastings
- Zoe Willard from Bexhill High School, Hastings
Nearly 200 people from across the county attended the awards ceremony, held at Bexhill High School.
The event’s special guest was Jo Jacobs, DJ at Southern FM, who read out the detail of the contributions and presented the awards, she said: "It is refreshing and heartening to meet youngsters who aren’t afraid to be good, honest people. I was honoured to be part of this event and hear how much young people give back to their communities.”
The judging panel included young people; staff from the Local Education Authority; a headteacher; and a senior member of McDonald’s Restaurants Ltd, the event’s sponsors.
Reference:
04/241/YL
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