THE live event celebrated Achievement Award winners aged 11-25 from Harlow for their contributions to their youth group community, where winners received medallions and framed certificates from the Foundation along with a £300 grant for them to spend to benefit their school or youth group. 

In addition, 10 adults were awarded Leader Awards for demonstrating outstanding ability to motivate young people. They each received a medallion and a framed certificate

Rt Hon Robert Halfon, MP for Harlow said:

“As a long-time supporter of the Jack Petchey Foundation, I was honoured to be invited to the event in Harlow’s Playhouse Theatre to present Achievement Awards to almost eighty young people and group leaders.

Sir Jack Petchey CBE is an inspirational man – someone who has dedicated his life to supporting young people to be the best they can be through the power of community groups in places like Harlow. His words, “If you think you can, you can!” represent a wonderful encapsulation of everything he believed in and are a powerful message to every young person to take their first step on the ladder of opportunity. I would encourage groups around Harlow to sign up to the Jack Petchey Foundation’s Award Scheme and take part in their wonderful programme where groups can receive grants of up to £6,100 to support their work.

I would like to pay tribute to all the support staff, community workers, teachers and charity workers who do so much to enrich the lives of our young people and to congratulate all the young people and group leaders who received an award. Everyone celebrating their success should feel incredibly proud of what they have achieved.” 

Harlow has received funding of over £1.3m from the Jack Petchey Foundation since funding started.

Achievement Award winners include winners Chloe Taylor, 11 who attends Hip Hop Pop.

Chloe has won the Jack Petchey Achievement Award for being a great role model with growing confidence. She is enthusiastic, helpful, and hardworking in sessions. Chloe excels in working in pairs and small groups, and actively listens while contributing her ideas.

Chloe decided to spend her £300 Jack Petchey Achievement Award grant on Studio Hire to put together and rehearse a team community performance piece at Passmores Academy.

Meha Patel, 11, who attends Crosskeys Netball Club.

Meha has won the Jack Petchey Achievement Award for her dedication to extracurricular activities despite being in the club in a short amount of time. Meha recently returned from Dubai where she excelled in netball, rugby, football, and swimming for her school. She also plays the violin in her school orchestra. Meha’s positive attitude and passion for the sport helped her squad win the league section at Crosskeys this season.

Meha decided to spend her £300 Jack Petchey Achievement Award grant on a Squad trip to Bowling. 

Jessica Selby, 12, who attends Youth Create.

Jessica has won the Jack Petchey Achievement award for consistently attending sessions with a fantastic energy, pushing herself out of her comfort zone during performances, and being kind and supportive towards others. She is also praised for her singing, dancing, and acting abilities.

Jessica decided to spend her £300 Jack Petchey Achievement Award grant on a coach to London for students and adults.

Samuel Atkinson, 15, who attends Air Cadets 2317 Harlow.

Samuel has won the Jack Petchey Achievement Award for his passion for cadets, dedication, and helpfulness. He is a great leader and teacher, with vast knowledge and is a role model for others. Additionally, his confidence has grown significantly, which is inspiring to witness.

Samuel decided to spend his £300 Jack Petchey Achievement Award grant on a percussion instrument called Glockenspiel for the Cadets band. 

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 the Foundation has supported over 2,000 initiatives for young people across London and Essex and has invested over £150m. In January 2022 the Achievement Award grant was increased to £300 for all newly awarded Achievement Award winners to further recognise the amazing achievements of young people across London and Essex.

Sir Jack Petchey CBE aged 97, 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.”  

ENDS