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19th October 2021
Posted by Aston Avery
57 incredible young people from across Basildon came together to receive prestigious Jack Petchey Foundation Achievement Awards presented at the Towngate Theatre on Tuesday 12th October 2021.
The event honoured Achievement Award winners aged 11-25 who received medallions to go with their framed certificate and a cheque for £250 each, 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.
In addition, seven 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.
Basildon have received funding of £733,000 from the Jack Petchey Foundation since funding began.
Cllr David Dadds, Mayor of Basildon, said:
“What a fantastic evening and a real pleasure to see young people from the Basildon Borough being recognised for the positive good they do in their communities. We have seen fantastic role models and young people doing positive things. They are a credit to us all.”
Winners included Ellie Jones, aged 15, who attends Beauchamps High School.
Ellie was awarded the Jack Petchey Achievement Award for her work creating shoeboxes for the homeless. Her and her family had decided to stop sending Christmas cards to friends and family, and instead use the money to gather items for the boxes. When handing out the boxes, Ellie spoke to several members of the homeless community, including a woman who was pregnant, and learned a lot about the challenges they faced. This inspired her to create and gather more boxes.
Award winner Ellie decided to spend her £250 Jack Petchey Achievement Award grant on new books for the English department.
Olivia Dolby, aged 11, who also attends Beauchamps High School.
During lockdown, Olivia participated in the EmpowHER scheme, and her team won an award for their project where they designed 40 Autism Sensory packs filled with fidget toys that they donated to local young people with autism with the charity SNAP.
The Peer Support award was awarded to Olivia because of her key role in motivating and organising the team. In addition, Olivia was also nominated for a UK Youth Achievement Award.
Olivia said:
“The event was very nerve racking, however extremely exciting to watch and be a part of!”
Award winner Olivia decided to spend her £250 Jack Petchey Achievement Award grant on upgrading the netball equipment, as she is a keen netball player.
For further information contact Beauchamps High School’s Jack Petchey Foundation Co-ordinator, Josh Beaumont at [email protected] . CONTACT DETAILS NOT FOR PUBLICATION
Adetola Tanimowo, aged 17, who attends The Basildon Upper Academy.
Adetola is a highly ambitious and hardworking student. She is hoping to pursue a career in medicine and has a real passion to succeed. She takes every opportunity with both hands and ensures she makes the most of it.
Adetola said:
“The event was brilliant and very inspiring to see other students and myself receive this recognition for our achievements. I would like to say that no matter who doesn’t believe in you or how many people tell you that you can’t, you most definitely CAN and WILL believe and continue to work hard.”
Award winner Adetola decided to spend her £250 Jack Petchey Achievement Award grant on resources for the science department, including calculators, books and a digital stop clock.
For further information contact The Basildon Academies’ Jack Petchey Foundation Co-ordinator, Mags Bloy at [email protected] . CONTACT DETAILS NOT FOR PUBLICATION
William Casey, aged 13, who attends The James Hornsby High School.
William was awarded the Jack Petchey Achievement Award for being a Lockdown Superstar in his class – he coped very well with challenges relating to his learning and health over lockdown, but never missed a single lesson. On top of this, he was very active in contributing to class projects, and loved making videos to share with others in the school.
William was nominated by his peers as he cheered them up, gave them great enthusiasm and motivated them with his enthusiasm.
Award winner William decided to spend her £250 Jack Petchey Achievement Award grant on a school photography competition during Mental Health Week.
For further information contact The James Hornsby High School’s Jack Petchey Foundation Co-ordinator, Victoria Overy at [email protected] . CONTACT DETAILS NOT FOR PUBLICATION
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 initiatives supporting young people across London and Essex and has invested over £143m.
Sir Jack Petchey CBE aged 96, 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.”