SCHOOLS NEWS
STUDENTS at Accrington Academy are celebrating after they won six prizes at the annual United Learning Best in Everyone Awards.
The awards were launched in 2012 to celebrate the achievements of secondary school students and their teachers across the schools group United Learning, of which Accrington Academy is a part.
There were more than 50 winners at this year’s awards ceremony, held in Stratford-upon-Avon, and among them were Accrington Academy students Emily Rolfe, who won Pupil of the Year for Years 7 to 10, Madison Lonsdale, who was crowned Young Hero of the Year, Ellison Curtis, who won the art award for Years 7 to 9, Chloe Whittle, who received the prize for leadership and service in Years 7 to 10, Harrison Heys, who took the science award for Years 7 to 9, and Courtney Jackson, who won the technology prize for Years 10 to 13.
Accrington Academy principal Andy O’Brien said: “This is a truly incredible achievement and a real credit to our students and staff.
“As Pupil of the Year, Emily is a humble, mild mannered student, who has delivered outstanding performance across the full spectrum of academic subjects.
“Add to this an amazing array of achievements across sports and performing arts and it’s clear that Emily is a star of the future.
“Madison’s title of Young Hero of the Year is also thoroughly deserved. In the face of adversity and challenge, she has become an even stronger person, who sees the good in everyone and who continually supports other students to do their best in her role as peer mentor.
“Ellison is fantastically hardworking in her art lessons, with other students often taking her lead - she shows real creativity and flair in her studies.
“Chloe’s leadership skills have really developed during her time at the academy.
“As a volunteer peer mentor, she who works tirelessly with younger students to improve their literacy skills.
“In science, Harrison is set for academic excellence, particularly in physics, although he excels in all subjects.
“Finally, in the technology category, Courtney has shown a natural talent for fashion and textiles, using the technology available to her to her advantage.”
Presenting the students with their awards at the ceremony on June 30 was chief executive of United Learning, Jon Coles.
He said: “Yet again, we had the difficult task of choosing winners from amongst a very impressive range of candidates nationally and I hope therefore that every award winner takes great pride in their success.”