The founder of a cheerleading club, an arson victim and a student councillor were among the winners recognised at last night’s Jack Petchey Foundation Achievement Awards.
Medallions were presented to 100 students from 11 of the borough’s secondary schools during the ceremony at the Barking Broadway theatre which celebrated Barking and Dagenham’s brightest and best youngsters.
The 11 to 25 year olds, were nominated by their peers and leaders for a wide variety of achievements.
Five adults were also honoured by receiving leader awards for having demonstrated an ability to motivate young people in an outstanding way, including a science teacher who has helped widen accessibility to the Duke of Edinburgh award.
Entertainment on the night was provided by singers and a pianist from Robert Clark School of Science, dance group EPIDEMIK from Jo Richardson Community School, Warren School singer Jamie-Lee Kiff and singer Libby O’Callaghan from Eastbury School.
VIPs who attended the ceremony included Chief Inspector Richard Goodwin and the Mayor of Barking and Dagenham, Cllr Hardial Singh.
“Whatever the subject the children achieve their awards for, their dedication, commitment and effort is to be commended,” he said. “I am very pleased for them all and I wish them luck in the future.”
Councillor John White, cabinet member for children’s services, said: “At a time where kids are always being run down and we are always been told what is wrong with them and that they are lazy, it is very nice to actually show that is not necessarily the case. A lot of kids are working hard and want to do well and they should be rewarded for it.”
Michael Adkins, executive editor of the Barking and Dagenham Post, added: “I was honoured to attend the annual Jack Petchey Achievement Awards ceremony this week where 100 young people who had excelled, often under extreme circumstances, were rightly recognised for their achievements.
“It was quite a humbling experience to witness these youngsters receive their awards and to see inspirational adult leaders honoured for inspiring and motivating the youngsters they have taught.
“The Post is delighted to be media partners for this event once again and would like to congratulate everyone involved.”
The Jack Petchey Foundation was set up in 1999 to recognise the positive contributions young people make to society and to support them in realising their potential.
Click on the picture gallery below for more pictures from the night
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