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Young people celebrate Jack Petchey achievement awards

More than 100 young people from Waltham Forest were recognised for their contributions to their schools and colleges at an awards ceremony last night

Chinedum Onunkwo was one of the many who received a Jack Petchey award last night. Credit: Jack Petchey Foundation

103 young people from schools and colleges in Waltham Forest received Jack Petchey Foundation awards presented at a live event at The Great Hall Leyton.

The Jack Petchey Foundation was set up by Sir Jack Petchey to inspire and motivate young people across London and Essex to do their best and reach their full potential.

The live event celebrated Achievement Award winners aged 11-25 from Waltham Forest for their contributions to their school/college community. Winners received medallions and framed certificates from the foundation, along with a £300 grant to spend for the benefit of their school.

In addition, four adults were awarded leader awards for demonstrating an “outstanding ability to motivate young people”. They also each received a medallion and a framed certificate.

Chinedum Onunkwo ,16, who attends Holy Family Catholic School & Sixth Form was among those awarded the Jack Petchey achievement award. Chinedum received the award for promoting student wellbeing. Chinedum designed wellbeing badges for the school and trained younger students to become ‘wellbeing champions’.

Chinedum decided to spend her £300 Jack Petchey Achievement Award Grant on 360 degree photo/video booth for all students to use in her year group.

George Aldridge was recognised for his contributions to Waltham Forest College’s sustainability efforts. Credit: Jack Petchey Foundation

Meanwhile, Waltham College student George Aldridge, 18, was awarded the Jack Petchey Achievement Award for his significant contributions to his college where he established its first student-led sustainability society.

The society aims to promote awareness among his peers about the role of sustainable practices in reducing the College’s carbon footprint and combating the effects of the climate emergency. George spent his £300 award money on gardening tools for a sustainable project.

Councillor Roy Berg, The Mayor of Waltham Forest, said: “Young people of today are given a bad reputation that is not deserved. Events like tonight prove that the young people we have today are as good as they’ve ever been.”

Waltham Forest has received over £5.2million from the Jack Petchey Foundation since funding started.


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