22 May 2012

Hardworking pupils honoured for their outstanding achievements

More than 300 dedicated students from across the region have been recognised for their outstanding achievements at a prestigious award ceremony at the University of Sheffield.

During the past 24 months youngsters from eight Sheffield schools have demonstrated a wide range of skills needed to be successful in a variety of fields such as employment, further education, training organisations and university.

To receive an achievement award, pupils had to excel in all target areas, including 93 per cent attendance, 95 per cent punctuality as well as career planning activities such as attending a post-16 event and going on in work experience.

The two graduation style award ceremonies, hosted at the University’s Octagon Centre, gave the hardworking school pupils the chance to celebrate their success and the huge progression they have made since starting the scheme in Year 10.

Kate Smith, Outreach Activities Officer from the University of Sheffield, said: "We have been working with these young people for the last two years, encouraging them to achieve challenging goals.

“It is a huge honour and privilege to welcome them and their family members to the University and celebrate this success together."

During the ceremony South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue District Commander, Darren Staniland, gave a motivational speech and congratulated the pupils on their achievement.

Each pupil was individually presented with a certificate to reward them for the effort, commitment and determination they have shown throughout the two years.

Jane Greaves, Head of Year 11 at Minsthorpe Community College, Sheffield said: "Minsthorpe Year 11 are a credit to me as their Head of Year and a credit to our school. The awards evening was an excellent opportunity to celebrate their hard work and maturity. It was an outstanding and enjoyable evening – A big thank you to you all."

University of Sheffield students Luke Stringer, Mark Dessain and Beth Monks presented the prestigious Young Achiever 2012 award to a boy and a girl from each school. The winners were nominated by their teachers for being exceptional role models to others.

Computer science students Luke and Mark went to Downing Street last year to meet the Prime Minister after winning a national competition to design a new mobile phone app.

Beth recently returned to her English degree course after recovering from a serious car accident in which she broke her back and was left paralysed from the chest down.

Not only is she continuing to excel in her studies, Beth is also currently training with the all male team GB rugby squad and hopes to represent her country one day.

Pupil Jessica Miller, from Parkwood Academy was presented with a Young Achiever 2012 award. She said: "It is a massive shock to win this award. I'm so very happy!'