By Eric White

STEWARDS Academy pupils celebrated fantastic results and achievement at the recent annual presentation evening.

170 pupils in total from the Harlow school were awarded prizes for their contribution to the life of the school and for academic excellence.

Guest speaker Suzanne Jude, (pictured below middle with Headteacher Rhonda Murthar and Chair of Governors Jeff Tarling) inspired the hundreds of people present with her speech.

Providing just one of the highlights of the evening as she spoke passionately about the influence mentors can have on young people.

Suzanne is also the Chair of the Employment and Skills Board for Essex Raytheon UK, oh which Quadcopter Challenge is a key activity.

In this event, students have to guide two small self-built high-tech drones across an obstacle course.

Stewards are the current title holders, and the winning pair of pupils, Katy Briant and Anitalise Ogedengbe, received the Governors’ Prizes for Academic Achievement for their victory.

The Governor’s prize for Citizenship went to Becky Dodd and for Contribution to the Life of the School to Alfie Babb.

In academic achievement, the 9 pupils who achieved the best GCSE results last summer also returned and were recognised for their efforts.

Between 7 of those pupils – Salma Saidy, Blessing Ona, Riley Halson, Alex Dodd, Olivia Warnes, Holly Humphreys and Joseph Thomas – they achieved 21 x A* and 45 x grade A.

Matt Fleming (above left) and Isaac Lucia (above right) drew gasps from the audience when their combined results of Isaac’s A* at A Level, 11 x A* and 4 x A Grades and Matt’s 11 x A* grades and 2 x A grades were announced.

Performances from the Lower School Choir, Harry Burling, Chloe Davis and Hannah Furness were stunning and brought tears to the eyes of the audience.

Headteacher Rhonda Murthar said: “Stewards Presentation Evening is always a special occasion and this year was certainly no exception. Governor’s, parents and staff were privileged to enjoy a wonderful evening to recognise and celebrate the wide array of student achievement and to marvel at the superb singing of our very talented pupils.”