Saffron Walden and Newport students presented prestigious awards

Brave and adventurous teenagers have been honoured and rewarded for their grit with prestigious achievement awards after being nominated by their teachers and classmates.

Paige Bashford, 16, from Saffron Walden High School and Toby Booth, 12, from Joyce Frankland Academy were among 50 students from four senior schools and four clubs in Uttlesford to receive the Jack Petchey Foundation Achievement Award at Foakes Hall in Great Dunmow.

The event last month marked achievements by young people aged 11 to 25, who received medals, certificates and cheques for £200, as part of an award that has been running for 15 years and seeks to recognise positive contributions made by young people in society, and support their potential.

Case studies on students were put together by Petchey Foundation coordinators in each school, with information provided by their peers and leaders.

Paige Bashford, who has been congratulated for being a role model to other students in the school, faced her own fear of heights to take on a 15,000ft skydive and raise £2,673 for Cancer Recovery Foundation in the process.

Paige’s grant award was put towards the Year 11 leaver’s celebrations, allowing the whole Year 11 group to enjoy extra refreshments and entertainment before they left the school after their exams.

Toby Booth from Joyce Frankland Academy, who had recently been inspired by a thirst for of adventure, raised £500 for the Scott Polar Research Institute by paddling from London to Harlow in a canoe. His grant award was spent on sports equipment for the PE department, in recognition of his own love of sports.

Entertainment at the awards event was provided by students Joe McCann on violin and Oliver Lin on piano, both from Felsted School.