Twenty nine reasons for celebration

29 Apr Twenty nine reasons for celebration

“O, wonder! How many goodly creatures are there here! How beauteous mankind is! O brave new world, That has such people in’t!”

Cllr Carpenter who presented the Duke of Edinburgh Awards to Jo Richardson students at Barking Town Hall on Wednesday evening chose this quote from Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” to congratulate the students receiving their awards on their considerable achievements.  She also said that she felt proud and privileged to be invited to present the awards, and that she was inspired by the efforts of all the recipients. Three Borough officers were also present at the ceremony, Erik Stein, Head of the Youth Service, Jane Hargreaves, Divisional Director of Education, and Director of Children’s Services, Helen Jenner.  Derry Thompson and Hayley Shenholds were also present from the London Region Office.  24 students and ex-students were present to receive their awards and a further five will be presented with their badges and certificates at other celebration events later this term.

The students who have completed their bronze award are, Jessica Idahosa, Tolu Oluwole, Ogechi Ibeh, Britney-Lea Ogbebor, Adaeze Ogbonna, Charlotte Nicholls, Ebun Ajala, Aida Marku, Sueda Oktay, Ruxandra Ilie, Anisha Makwana, Ore Olayinka, Aydin Phillips, Kelechi Ogbonna, Morgan O’Connell, Oritsetimeyin Jacdonmi, Aiesha Francis, Moyin Adetoye and Charlotte Dutton (all Year 11). Those completing their silver award are: Billy Simson, Billy Cresswell, Gabriele Sartauskaite, Sabrina Shaikh, Muhammed (Salvi) Islam (all Year 12), Yinka Egbedeyi (Year 13), and Anjolaade Ogunwolu, Elizabeth Olabode, Paula Stuomaite, and Emily Vincent (all ex-students).

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those at Jo Richardson who support the delivery of the Duke of Edinburgh Award in any way, from those who mentor students choosing their award activities, to those who act as activity mentors and assessors, and not forgetting the many staff who help at weekends and after school with delivering the expedition programme.  Many thanks to Mr Dignam and Mr Hargreaves who were present at the Town Hall and who do such a lot to support the delivery of the bronze and silver awards.  I am also grateful to Mrs Wren for her support at this event.

This was a record year for Jo Richardson for silver awards. Inspired by the success of these students, I look forward to even more awards, bronze, silver and even gold next year!

Ms Montague

D of E Manager