Awards were recently given to 119 young individuals from Lambeth and Southwark for their outstanding contributions to their schools, colleges, and local clubs. These individuals, aged 11-25, were honored with the Jack Petchey Foundation Achievement Awards at a special event held at Smith Square Hall in Westminster. Each winner received a medallion, a framed certificate, and a £300 grant to benefit their school, college, or youth group.
Additionally, five adults were presented with Leader Awards for their exceptional ability to motivate young people. They too received a medallion and a framed certificate. The Jack Petchey Foundation, established in 1999, has invested over £3.9m in Lambeth and Southwark since its inception.
One of the remarkable award winners was Emiliano Giunta, a 17-year-old student at Woodmansterne School & Sixth Form. Emiliano was recognized for his admirable attitude towards his studies, particularly in Economics and French. Described as a helpful and approachable classmate, Emiliano often assists his peers with their work, showcasing his dependable nature. Upon receiving the award, Emiliano expressed his gratitude and stated that he felt blessed to be recognized in such a way. He chose to use his £300 grant to purchase a fun and interactive language tool for the Modern Foreign Languages Department.
Another deserving recipient was 13-year-old Deborah Onyeukwu from Harris Academy, Peckham. Deborah was commended for her exceptional contributions to the Music Department despite facing personal challenges such as a speech impediment. Her teachers praised her courage and noted her impeccable behavior and respectful attitude towards others. Deborah decided to allocate her grant towards purchasing instruments for the Music Department.
Harry Kite, a 12-year-old student at The St Thomas The Apostle College, was also acknowledged for his active involvement in various school activities. Described as a role model by his school, Harry takes his responsibilities seriously, whether it’s serving as a library champion or participating in charity events. He recently completed a 5K run for Cancer Research, demonstrating his commitment to making a positive impact. Harry chose to use his grant for a Year 7 bowling trip.
The late Sir Jack Petchey, founder of the Jack Petchey Foundation, believed in recognizing and rewarding young people for their achievements and contributions to society. The awards scheme aims to celebrate the efforts of young individuals and encourage them to continue making a positive difference in their communities. The recent award ceremony highlighted the incredible accomplishments of these young winners and the impact they have had on those around them.
