Jack Petchey awards honour Barking and Dagenham youngsters

In total, 144 young people from Barking and Dagenham were honoured at two ceremonies held at Cineworld Ilford, recognising their contributions to their schools, colleges and clubs.

Each winner received a medallion, a framed certificate, and a £300 grant to benefit their group or institution.

The event also recognised 11 adults with Leader Awards for their dedication to motivating and supporting young people.

Among the young winners was 14-year-old Vivian from Dagenham Park Church of England School, who was recognised for his passion for history and positive influence in the classroom.

Vivian said: "When you finish your journey, no one will remember you unless you succeed and prove your worth, so why care about others? We don't have time to feel anxious and stressed when we have so much to go to achieve in our dreams.

"So, stop caring about someone's opinion, they will laugh and they will judge you but only because they know you are about to become better. So don't end up forgotten and alone."

He chose to spend his £300 grant on costumes for World Book Day, Horrible History puzzles, Playdough sets and stationary for the school.

Chloe (Image: Mark Lees)

Chloe, 15, from Riverside Bridge, was recognised for her positive and enthusiastic approach to school life, as well as her involvement in the school council and choir. She decided to use her grant to fund a group trip to Adventure Island.

Amal (Image: Mark Lees)

Amal, 17, from The Warren School, was praised for her dedication as a reading mentor. She said: "You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. Do your best, achieve the best."

Amal used her grant to fund theatre tickets for Hamlet at the Globe Theatre.

Farwa (Image: Mark Lees)

Farwa, a 12-year-old student at Riverside School, was recognised for her resilience, leadership and positive attitude since joining the school. She said: "It felt very good and I was very proud to receive this award."

Farwa put her grant towards a student leadership group trip to Greenwich Park.

Ekamjit (Image: k)

Ekamjit, 14, from Aztecs Cricket Club, impressed judges with his all-round cricketing performance during the 2025 season, taking more than 20 wickets and scoring more than 500 runs, including a vital half-century. He said: "Hard work always pays off. Just trust yourself."

He spent his grant on coaching equipment to support player development at his club.

Cllr Dr Elizabeth Kangethe, cabinet member for educational attainment and school improvement at Barking and Dagenham Council, said: "Brilliant event. One of the best events I’ve attended. Always a privilege to honour some of our best achievers."

Jane Hargreaves, commissioning director for education at Barking and Dagenham Council, also attended the awards night. She said: "What an inspiring evening. Thank you to all involved in the ceremony. It was wonderful to see young people from our borough recognised and celebrated."

The Jack Petchey Foundation has invested more than £3.2 million in Barking and Dagenham since it began funding in the borough. The awards are part of a wider programme established in 1999 by the late Sir Jack Petchey CBE, a businessman and to celebrate and motivate young people.

Since its inception, the foundation has invested more than £180 million in programmes across London and Essex, directly benefiting more than 1.3 million young people. It has given out more than 250,000 Jack Petchey Achievement Awards, and more than 2.5 million people have attended a Jack Petchey Foundation event.

Each award winner is given a £300 grant to fund a project, activity or resource that benefits their school, college or club.