The fourth annual Young People’s Award Ceremony celebrated the educational, personal, community and sporting triumphs of more than 60 children.
The children chose a safari theme for the event, which was echoed in the design of the certificates, the place settings and the art competition.
"This ceremony raises the children’s self esteem and encourages others to achieve. The support they get from social workers and carers and from staff is invaluable,” said Councillor Keith Glazier, lead member for education. "These children have shown determination and bravery. These awards will help them to reach for the stars,” said Councillor Meg Stroude, lead member for children and young people and libraries.
The young people, aged between five and 18, received their chosen book or a book token, and they were able to invite two guests. They were also presented with certificates of achievement signed by Denise Stokoe, Director of Children's Services, Education and Libraries.
After the ceremony, the children and their guests had lunch and took part in activities, including face painting, and the drawing and colouring competition, judged by Council Chairman Daphne Bagshawe, Southern FM DJ Dan Gasser, who acted as master of ceremonies, and Di Vicarey, a young person who helped to organise the awards.
There was a raffle of tickets for shows and attractions, including Beauty and the Beast, which is coming to the Congress Theatre, Eastbourne in April, Drusilla’s zoo, a tour of Liverpool Football Club at Anfield and tickets for Brighton & Hove Albion.
"I liked doing the drawing,” said one young person. "I was 100 per cent pleased and excited,” said another. "This is wonderful for the children,” a carer said. "This has been the best so far,” said another carer of the event.
Winners included James, who has taken part in Special Needs Judo competitions in the UK, Holland and Sweden, winning four gold medals for perseverance. Alicia’s poem The Minator was chosen out of 100,000 entries in a national poetry competition for primary schools to be published in a book of young poets.
Luke, who has hydrocephalus, was nominated for his bravery in coping with a five hour operation to replace his shunt. Cross country runner Jade was one of two girls in Y9 picked to represent Seaford Head Community College in the District Cross Country Competition. She came 29th out of 80 contestants.
Shanthi V achieved 11 GCSEs last summer and is now studying for her A levels. Michael has made great progress in his education even after moving schools. He has achieved excellent grades in all subjects.
Reference:
05/136/SR
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