ONE HUNDRED and twenty two incredible young people from across Harlow came together to receive prestigious Jack Petchey Foundation Achievement Awards presented at the Harlow Playhouse across Wednesday 19th and Thursday 20th June.

The events 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, 20 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.

Harlow schools and clubs have received funding of £1,126,613 from the Jack Petchey Foundation since funding started in 2000.

Danny Crates, Paralympic gold medallist said: “I have been to several Jack Petchey award ceremonies, I think they are a great way to celebrate the achievements of Essex’s young people. I am always inspired when I hear of the winners’ stories, to hear how hard working they all are and what a positive impact they have on their communities. Well done to all of tonight’s winners.”

Cllr Maggie Hulcoop, Vice Chair of Harlow Council said it was “Another amazing year of Achievement Award winners, Harlow has a lot of very talented and gifted young people. The young people, their teachers, friends and family should be very proud. They are all achievers in every sense of the word.”

Chief Inspector Matt Cornish, District Police Commander said “It’s a privilege to hear of all the inspirational stories of these young winners. Harlow has some truly talented and inspiring young people.”

Winners included Torin Gleeson, aged 14, who attends Mark Hall Academy. Torin is a remarkable triple Achievement Award winner with awards from Mark Hall Academy, Harlow Rock School and Livewire Trust over the past two nights. He loves anything to do with Music and Drama. Torin is so enthusiastic and offers his time for all of the productions and is always the first one asking “can I do anything”. Music/acting runs in his family and we look forward to seeing what Torin achieves in the future.

Torin said “Music inspires me. All of my guitar and music teachers supported me and helped boost my confidence. My parents were both there to watch and support me and I can’t thank them enough.”

Torin decided to spend his £250 Jack Petchey Achievement Award grant on a bass guitar for his school’s Music Department.

Jack Mansfield, aged 16, attends Harlow Penguins Swimming Club. Jack received recognition for the progress he has made this year with his own swimming. He became County Champion for 200 Breaststroke, Regional Silver Medallist for 200 Breaststroke and his hard work was rewarded with a place at English Nationals. Jack made the National Final for 200 Breaststroke where he finished ninth overall.

Jack decided to spend his £250 Jack Petchey Achievement Award grant on a trip for club members to Skate Van Hage.

Morgan De’ath, aged 14, attends Air Cadets – 2317 (Harlow) Squadron ATC. Over the past few months the squadron has seen Morgan’s confidence grow beyond belief. He actively gets involved with all activities and even takes the lead on exercises and tasks where at times he can be in charge of Cadets 5 years older than him and is totally unfazed by this! Morgan is a wonderful Cadet and the squadron looks forward to seeing him achieve lots in the future.

Morgan decided to spend his £250 Jack Petchey Achievement Award grant on Stem Kit Extensions for the squadron.

Sofia Read, aged 14, attends Crosskeys Netball Club. Sofia is a committed club member with a very positive attitude both at training & during matches. At school, she was captain of her year team and was selected, by Ongar Academy to go into primary schools, to help set up sporting activities for the younger children.

Sofia decided to spend her £250 Jack Petchey Achievement Award grant on a disco and entertainer for the club’s presentation evening.

Ryan Gissing, aged 22, attends Risdenwood FC. Ryan has been at Risdenwood for 3 years as a player but this year the players/members voted for him to be the coach of the 1st Team. He has put a lot of work and effort into getting the team together for training and games especially as he has to travel in from Cheshunt. He has created a good atmosphere and bonding amongst the team who seem to be really enjoying being part of the team set up.

Ryan decided to spend his £250 Jack Petchey Achievement Award grant on football equipment for the club.

Tianna Thorpe-Williams, aged 12, attends Harlow Steel Band. Tianna is very enthusiastic when she plays. She always attends practice sessions and is happy to perform with the band at gigs whatever the weather. Tianna has shown dedication and made major improvements in her playing ability over a short period of time. She is a valuable member of the band and a worthy winner of this award

Tianna decided to spend her £250 Jack Petchey Achievement Award grant on a golfing trip for the band.

Ralph Pattison, aged 11, attends BATTS Table Tennis. Ralph is 11 years old and first came to BATTS with his school when he was aged nine. He loved table tennis from the start and quickly signed up for the club sessions. His progress has been so rapid that he is now the number one player in England in his age group! He won this award for his recent selection to play for England in the home internationals where he picked up a gold and a silver medal.

Ralph decided to spend his £250 Jack Petchey Achievement Award grant on the team entry to national junior competition.

Rosie Smith, aged 15, attends Stewards Academy. Rosie has always tried her best at school and is a hard-working and conscientious pupil. She is an excellent role-model to the younger pupils and her peers who value her dedication to charity work. This year, Rosie has led the charity team, of which she has been a member throughout her time at Stewards, diligently and supported both local and national charities.

Rosie decided to spend her £250 Jack Petchey Achievement Award grant on fitness equipment for the school.

Tahisha Bell, aged 15, attends Passmores Academy. Tahisha was amazingly helpful when she ran an activity by herself when a staff member was off sick. She took control of the food shopping order, the washing up, drying up and supported Janet with any issues that arose. She is also absolutely brilliant as a volunteer at the youth club, she is helpful, kind, patient and the young people adore her. The school is very proud of Tahisha.

Tahisha decided to spend her £250 Jack Petchey Achievement Award grant on various equipment and games to benefit students with Autism

Grace Bickerstaff, aged 15, attends Mark Hall Academy. Grace is an outstanding student who always works to a high standard. In her recent English Literature mock exam she gained a Grade 9! Always giving 100%, the Jack Petchey Speak Out Challenge was no exception. She competed against 30 Year 10s within the academy’s competition and won and then went on to the Regional Final in which she was superb.

Grace decided to spend her £250 Jack Petchey Achievement Award grant on learning equipment for the Modern Foreign Languages Department.

Lanelle Amissah, aged 14, attends St Marks West Essex RC School. Lanelle is an excellent role model, as she is very hard working, competent and is always keen on helping those around her. For example, she is the Sports Captain for her form, she has given up her time to work with younger pupils, i.e. Years 5 and 6 when they have visited the school and she is involved in a number of sports such as football, netball and athletics.

Lanelle said “This evening was a fantastic, motivating, inspiring experience. I felt motivated and proud to be a part of this achievement. I encourage the youth to showcase their talents and dreams”.

Lanelle decided to spend her £250 Jack Petchey Achievement Award grant on athletics spikes for running shoes at her 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 invested over £124m.

Sir Jack Petchey CBE aged 93, 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.”