Selwood Academy celebrated its very first Selwood Academy Awards evening on Thursday 9th June, presenting honours to students making outstanding contributions to their community.
The school welcomed prizewinners and parents of pupils from all four year groups, school governors, staff members, PTA committee members and community sponsors to the evening.
School spokesperson Jane Larman said, “The event was the very first of its kind and was hugely enjoyed by all present.
“Former Selwood pupil Ben Manning, now in year 12 at Frome College, delivered as guest speaker an inspirational speech to the pupils. Ben was voted ‘Frome Young Citizen of the Year 2015’ and was also awarded the ‘Princess Diana – Champion Volunteer Award’.
“Ben impressed upon the children to make the most of each and every opportunity even when life throws challenges. Ben runs his own trust to support young people in memory of his father.
“Guests were entertained by the cast members from the academy’s forthcoming production of ‘Into the Woods’ by Stephen Sondheim; Jake Eaton wowed all present with his impressive magic skills and the guests were also treated to the beautiful singing voice of Abigail Thorne, who performed a show- stopping rendition of a challenging Whitney Houston power ballad ‘I Have Nothing’.
“Deputy head Ms Nicola Simmonds led the evening, and head boy Sam Evans and head girl Joy Beaven spoke eloquently about their experiences over their time as pupils, and in particular how their personal leadership skills and ‘can do’ attitudes have developed because of the opportunities provided to them.
“Headteacher Mrs Hopegood thanked the special guests who came to witness their trophies and shields being awarded and expressed how important it is to recognise children not just for academic success but also for their community spirit, effort, resilience and caring support of each other.
“She also expressed how proud she is of the Selwood pupils and thanked all the staff and governors for all the excellent opportunities they provide for the children on a daily basis.”
The following awards were handed out at the ceremony: Community Impact Award: Daisy Wellsted. Extra Mile Award: Cain Powell. Unsung Star Awards: Gareth Everton, Bethany Freestone, Jack Haines, Robert Trowbridge. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Award: Elen Northeast. Handwriting Hero Award: Caitlin Campbell. Participation Award: Kian Christmas. Sports Personality of the Year Award: Zac Durojaye. Young Performer of the Year: Poppy Pinkster. The Smart Art Award: L’Lianne Wood. Creative Writing Award: Astrid Rogers. Head Boy: Sam Evans. Head Girl: Joy Beaven. School Spirit Award: Kofi Barton-Byfield. Charitable Award: Sam Oliver. Avid Readers Awards: Toby Evans, Madeline Parsons, Oliver Morton, Jennifer O’Nions, Oz-Xander Mills, Poppy Pinkster.
Prizes for the evening were donated by Avon & Somerset Constabulary, the school governors, the Lions Club of Frome, the school’s PTA, Mrs G Driffield, Mr S Kirby, Amica, Mr M McGeehan, Mrs K Paterson, Rodden Road Garage and Mrs J Hopegood, and were awarded by special guest, Neal Chislett, head of school effectiveness for Somerset County Council.
