Jack Petchey Foundation recognises Thurrock’s young people for amazing
achievements
Ninety-seven young people from 14 senior schools in Thurrock came together to receive
prestigious Jack Petchey Foundation Achievement Awards presented at Civic Hall on
Wednesday 10th February 2016.
The event honoured Achievement Award winners aged 11-25 who received medallions to go
with their framed certificate and a cheque for £200, already presented. They were
nominated by their peers and leaders, winning awards for a variety of achievements big and
small but always for doing their best.
Eight adults were also celebrated with Leader Awards who have demonstrated, in an
outstanding way, an ability to motivate young people. They received a medallion and a
framed certificate.
Youth organisations in Thurrock have received funding of: £1,176,564 from the Jack Petchey
Foundation since funding started in 2001.
The Mayor of Thurrock, Cllr. Sue Gray said “I am very proud of all the young people
receiving awards here. Young people often get bad press but every one of these winners
have been inspirational and have shown that you can do it!”
Sargent Rob Thompson, Essex police said “The young people receiving awards here are
truly inspirational. It is evident that these awards provide the young people with the tools to
achieve exceptional things.”
Winners included Emily, aged 16 from the Gateway Learning Community. Emily
worked on a project to conserve water through which she developed a water saving
toothbrush named the H2ooth Brush and was the runner-up in a local competition. Not only
is she devoted to this, she is a member of the student leadership driving a mental wellness
project as well as maintaining `A’ grades in all subject areas.
Emily did her English GCSE early and decided to use the £200 award from the Jack Petchey
Foundation to take students to see `Of Mice and Men’ in preparation for their English
Literature exam and as a reward for her group.
Aaron, aged 13 goes to the Hathaway Academy. Aaron tirelessly fundraises for Great
Ormond Street Hospital where he has spent a lot of time having operations and procedures
himself. In addition he supports a Year 7 student who also suffers from a similar medical
condition.
Aaron wants his £200 award money to go towards a laptop for Science. For more
information contact Hathaway Academy’s Jack Petchey Foundation Co-ordinator, Dianne
Whippey on 01375 898008 or [email protected].
Nathan, aged 15 attends Harris Academy Chafford Hundred. He recently helped a
vulnerable Year 7 student who was injured to get home safely. Nathan noticed that the
student was considerably upset and agitated whilst walking home from school. He acted with
compassion and maturity to bring the student back to school and waited with him until his
safe departure could be guaranteed.
Nathan has spent his award on new kits for the P.E Department. He wanted to contribute
towards kits for the football and the basketball teams, so the money was split between the
two (£100 towards each team).
Patrick, aged 17 goes to Palmers College. Patrick has worked so hard in the voluntary
sector he was recently nominated for a ‘Volunteer of the Year’ award. He is going to study
adult nursing at university and will spend every Saturday volunteering at a home for people
with dementia.
Patrick will use his award to buy advertising boards for the Voluntary Service Department to
encourage others to volunteer.
Leeza Hameed, aged 16 attends Grays Convent High School. Leeza is an Assistant
Head Girl and Vice-Captain of her Form Group. She is a member of the St. Vincent de Paul
Society and gives up her lunchtimes to visit a home for the elderly. She is always available
to help the new Year 7 pupils and is heavily involved in the school’s charity events.
Leeza chose to spend her award on equipment for the Science Department and a
contribution towards an educational visit to Flatford Mill in Suffolk for Geography.
Sir Jack founded the Jack Petchey Foundation in 1999 to recognise the positive
contributions young people make to society and to support them in achieving their potential.
Since then it has provided support to a wide range of 2,000 youth initiatives across London
and Essex and a reached a milestone investment of £100m.
Sir Jack Petchey CBE, said “I am passionate about our awards scheme which enables
young people to be recognised, valued and rewarded for their achievements and positive
contributions to society.”
ENDS
For media enquiries including photographs contact:
[email protected]
NOTES FOR EDITORS:
1. Our major programme, the Achievement Awards is a peer recognition scheme and
includes grass roots youth clubs, youth organisations, secondary schools and
uniformed organisations throughout London and Essex. Nominations are made by
young people as well as teachers, parents, and supporting adults. The young award
winners choose how best to spend their award money to the benefit of their club or
school. From 2016 we are increasing the award money so new winners will now
receive £250.
2. The Jack Petchey Foundation also funds other programmes that celebrate positive
contributions of young people in society. “Speak Out” is the world’s largest public
speaking competition for young people.
3. “Step into Dance” provides opportunities for dance in over 150 schools.
4. The Individual grants for the Volunteers Fund supports young people who are giving
up their time for the benefit of another community.
5. To find out more about our work and the range of projects we support go to
www.jackpetcheyfoundation.org.uk. Follow JPF on Facebook
www.facebook.com/JackPetcheyFoundation and Twitter @JPFoundation.