Penguin PR’s Kerry Ganly was presented with an award from the High Sheriff of Derbyshire, Mike Copestake, during a celebration at the Museum of Making.
As one of several others, Kerry was praised in recognition of her great and valuable service to the community over the past 12 months. Other award-winners included Arshad Iqbal, of Derby City council backed career scheme E4E, and Alan Grimadell, chairman of the Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre.
The event was predominantly a celebration of Mike Copestake’s year as the High Sheriff of Derbyshire, with the award ceremony being a welcomed surprise for all the recipients. Attendees including Professor Kath Mitchell from the University of Derby, Derby North MP Amanda Solloway and the Dean of Derby enjoyed music by James from Hot House Music and could admire or purchase from a gallery of paintings by local artists, with 10 per cent of profits made from each painting going to Foundation Derbyshire; one of the High Sheriff’s chosen charities.
Without prior knowledge about the awards, the recognition of Kerry and other outstanding individuals from Derbyshire was an added extra to the day. The High Sheriff wanted to show appreciation for the people and organisations for their activity and contribution in enhancing the life of the community during his year at the helm.
Kerry was awarded for her work creating a presentation for primary schools aimed at raising aspirations that was shown at more than 90 schools across the county during the High Sheriff’s tour of Derbyshire schools.
Kerry said: “Mike has been on the board of E4E since its formation and is passionate about inspiring others. During his year as High Sheriff, he visited lots of amazing schools to talk about careers and introduce the pupils to local people who are inspirational; people such as Clive Lawrence, a Derby-born headteacher who recently received an OBE by King Charles for services to education. I loved being involved and worked to create the presentation that Mike then showed to the schools.”
Her hard work on this presentation, has left Kerry honoured and acknowledged by Mike and Derbyshire through this reputable award.
Kerry said: “Mike is one of the most humble and selfless people that I know and his work during the past 12 months is inspiring. He has visited some of the most socially deprived areas of our county, and his enthusiasm and passion for raising aspirations among young people should be applauded. I’m proud to have helped, but the hard work has been done by the High Sheriff himself.”
