An impressive 107 young people from 17 schools across Lewisham came together to receive prestigious Jack Petchey Foundation Achievement Awards presented at the Catford Broadway on Wednesday 1st March.

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, two 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.

Schools in Lewisham have received funding of £878,693 from the Jack Petchey Foundation since funding started in 2006.

Cabinet Member for Children and Young People in Lewisham, Cllr. Paul Maslin said “It’s been wonderful to support the work of the Jack Petchey Foundation and to celebrate the success of all these marvellous young people. I wish them all the best for their high-achieving futures.”

Winners included Clarissa Mae Ragrag, aged 13, who attends Bonus Pastor Catholic College.

Clarissa has been nominated for her outstanding contribution to music in the school. She is a fantastic singer and guitarist, who always wows students, staff and guests with her highly anticipated performances at school events. In the summer of 2016, Clarissa made history when she became the youngest person to ever win The Gigs London-wide busking competition. She takes this all on with a quiet confidence and her peers and teachers are looking forward to seeing where her creativity and talent will take her in the future.

George Harrold, aged 15, attends Conisborough College.

George was nominated for his exceptional commitment to his extracurricular sports activity. George has been practising Hapkido, a Korean form of martial arts since he was seven years old. Having competed in several countries around the world he recently won two gold medals in the European Hapkido Championships in Spain!

Caitlin Douglas, aged 14, attends Haberdasher Askes Knights Academy.

Caitlin was nominated for her outstanding dedication to fundraising for Sports Relief through the Sainsbury's Sports Relief Cycle campaign. With help from her father and friends, she raised over £2,000 for the charity. Due to her dedication to fundraising she was made the poster girl for all of their promotional resources!

Hassan Ondal, aged 15, attends Brent Knoll School.

Hassan was nominated for his supportive nature and helpfulness around the school. He is often the first to volunteer to help staff or younger pupils and this has been widely recognised at Brent Knoll. Hassan has made a significant contribution to the Duke of Edinburgh Award group and has been a successful community volunteer as part of his award. He has also been instrumental in helping to establish a cycle maintenance group in the school.

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 reached a milestone investing £100m.

Sir Jack Petchey CBE aged 91, 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.”

Submitted by Emma Wakeling