STUDENTS from secondary schools in the Reporter s area were presented with Jack Petchey Achievement Awards at an inaugural annual awards ceremony. The event, held at the Rhodes Arts Complex in Bishop s Stortford, brought together 41 achievement award winn

STUDENTS from secondary schools in the Reporter's area were presented with Jack Petchey Achievement Awards at an inaugural annual awards ceremony.

The event, held at the Rhodes Arts Complex in Bishop's Stortford, brought together 41 achievement award winners from the five schools Uttlesford.

All had been nominated by their peers and teachers, and won awards for a variety of achievements, not for being the best but doing their best. They received a medallion to go with their framed certificates and a cheque for �200.

Fourteen of the winners were from The Mountfitchet Mathematics and Computing College (MMCC) in Stansted, five from Newport Free Grammar School and three from the Saffron Walden County High School (SWCHS).

Jill McMahon (MMCC) and Tim Mardingham (SWCHS) were two of four adults to receive Leader awards, achieved for demonstrating in an outstanding way, an ability to encourage and motivate young people.

Chairman of Uttlesford District Council, Cllr Alastair Walters, was a VIP at the ceremony.

He said: "This has been an excellent example of what the young people of Uttlesford are truly about.

"They are doing great things at their schools and in their community and the Jack Petchey Achievement Awards have enabled that to be recognised in a public way."

The Achievement Award scheme is now worth �9000 per year to schools in Uttlesford. Total funding awarded to schools, clubs and youth organisations in the district, since funding started in 2001, is �241,000.

The Jack Petchey Foundation aims to help develop the potential in young people aged 11-25 in London and Essex. The foundation is eager to help them take advantage of opportunities and to play their part in society, whatever their circumstances.

Since it was established in 1999 grants totalling over �60 million have been awarded to a wide range of schools, clubs and organisations.

For further details visit www.jackpetcheyfoundation.org.uk

Pictures: SUBMITTED