Former Derby County stars have helped celebrate the hard work and dedication of young people who go above and beyond.
Shaun Barker, who was captain of the Rams, and Burton Albion captain John Brayford handed out the awards to pupils at Murray Park Community School in recognition of a wide range of achievements.
Among the big winners of the night was Bethany Pearch, year 10, who won the Community and Citizenship Award for her dedicated fund-raising for the British Heart Foundation.
She was inspired by her dad Sam who had to have a pacemaker fitted last year. It is now something she does with her dad with events such as baking cakes and organising a fashion show, complete with catwalk, as part of the Girls’ Brigade.
Bethany said: “I’m very happy as I didn’t expect it at all. I’ve always helped out with fund-raising and always baked as I make cakes at home.
“My dad is the inspiration for me. I enjoy doing it and want to do more. This award is really nice and I didn’t expect it as I thought I was just getting an award for one of my subjects.”
Her brother Charlie, in year 7, also took away a handful of awards for physical education, raising achievement leader award and he is part of the school’s football team that has won the Derby City League A football tournament.
The Derby County fan said he was surprised to win the award and had enjoyed the night.
Year 7 pupil Taliyah Smith-Allen went home with an award in drama, religious studies, library and a head of year award.
She said: “It felt amazing. I didn’t expect it at all, I thought I’d possibly won an award in drama as I was in the school play, Mary Poppins, in February. Drama is my biggest passion.
“I’ve had the best school year and I’ve really enjoyed it at Murray Park. I’m looking forward to next year.”
Delighted Ewan Phillips, year 10, received the trophy of the night which was presented by GGJ Global Consulting Limited for Outstanding Social Contribution to the Local Community and Environment.
He said: “It’s just amazing, I’m flabbergasted. God has heard my prayers to see me get this award. I am the garden manager and I try my best to support the community.
“I’ve started selling the plants and I’m thinking of starting an online shop for the school to sell plants. I love gardening.
“I’m speechless to have won and it will take pride of place on the mantlepiece. Everyone is capable of going out there into the community and helping. You just have to try hard and do your best.
“I hope everyone reading this gets an award like this. I want to thank Murray Park for nominating me for this wonderful award and to be the first person to get it is amazing. I hope that this trophy to many people at the school through the generations.”
Head girl Kiran Nawaz won a head teacher’s award. She said: “I think it’s really good and it’s nice to get recognised in and out of school. Being head girl is more work than people think.
“I think it creates unity in school. This awards ceremony felt very sophisticated and it made the achievement a lot more special.”
Head boy Sabahat Ahmad, who also won a head teacher’s award, said it shows the steps the school has made to move forward and praise the students.
He said: “It feels quite different and represents a shift in the school. I do feel recognised and this has been a spectacular event and well organised.”
The pupils wore a graduation cloak and gown for the event as their proud parents watched on. Some of the young people walked away with more than one award.
Pupils also had a special recorded message from Paul Warne, the Derby County manager, from Spain who congratulated them and encouraged them to “keep pushing” as he added that “life is about being the best version of yourself”.
Top row – Johan Hardy, Finlay Banton, Cole Davies, Reuben Kowalski, Daniel Wright, Blake Coulson
Footballers Barker and Brayford handed out the first awards of the evening to the younger pupils.
Barker said: “It’s always a privilege to be involved in these awards and we are fortunate as footballers to have the opportunity to help inspire and congratulate the young people on their hard work as they continue on their own paths.
“It is nice to come back to Pride Park as we are both former players here and this night is a credit to how dedicated the young people are and all their hard work.”
Brayford said: “It’s a privilege to see how well these kids have done and what opportunities they have to go on to build and kick start their future from here. It’s so nice to be here to see how well they have done and reward them for their efforts.”
Organiser Theresa Lucas said: “The students have been nominated by the staff in the school for going above and beyond. It’s a fantastic achievement. We are so proud of everything they have achieved.”
Head teacher Nicola Caley said: “I’m tremendously proud of all the students. They have worked extremely hard this year to achieve great things and I’m looking forward to next year.”
