16.07.2015 post event press release
BARNET YOUTH RECEIVE AWARDS
One hundred and seventy six students from 22 senior schools and five clubs in Barnet
received prestigious Jack Petchey Foundation Achievement Awards at special annual events
held at the Arts Depot on Tuesday 14th and Wednesday 15th July.
The event honoured Achievement award winners aged 11-25 who received medallions to go
with their framed certificate and a cheque for £200, already presented. They were nominated
by their peers and leaders, winning awards for a variety of achievements but mostly for doing
their best. This event covers winners from September 2014 to June 2015.
Twelve 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.
Youth organisations in Barnet have received £1,028,000 from the Jack Petchey Foundation
since funding started in 2005. Case study information has been provided by JPF
Coordinators at the schools.
Winners included Neve Renny, age 13, from Ashmole Academy. Neve was on her way
home from school when she saw an elderly lady fall off of the bus. An ambulance was called
and Neve waited for an hour with the lady before they arrived, giving up her coat to keep her
warm. A local resident was so impressed with how proactive and caring Neve was that she
took the time to contact the school to inform us. Neve is a credit to Ashmole Academy and
has set an excellent example to others. She is also working very hard at school, has
contributed as a deputy school council member and is popular amongst her peers.
The grant award was spent on an overhead projector and acetates for art. Student
photographic work can be transferred to acetate and then projected onto paper/canvases to
produced enlarged art projects. For further information contact Neve Renny 07792134945
Vista107@blueyonder.co.uk JPF Coordination is Louis Thurley thu@ashmoleacademy.org
(020) 8361 2703.
Karim Keskas, age 16, from The Compton School. Karim is a hardworking member of the
school and he has really tried to turn himself into a positive member of the school
community. He brings joy to the people around him. He is very confident and dedicated. He
is a charismatic person who is a great role model and always supports his peers; he is a
valued member of our form group. As Karim is completely committed to his sports, as well
as his learning, it was so impressive that he was selected to play for the South East region
Handball Team.
The grant award was spent on a handball starter kit so he can lead on coaching a Handball
Team for the school. For further information contact Karim Keskas Kkkarim10@hotmail.com
07939526634. JPF Coordinator is Karen Hand karen.hand@thecompton.org.uk (020) 8216
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LOCAL YOUTH RECEIVE JPF AWARDS CONT… PAGE 2
Harley Evans, age 11, from Mill Hill County High School Harley was Nominated by her
peers for helping an elderly couple in the community with their chores as they are not able to
do it themselves. She also frequently donates money to charity. Harley is viewed as an
excellent role model by her peers in her year group.
The grant award was spent on a Liebig condenser for use by Science students. For further
information contact Harley Evans Samantha.evans@salvationarmy.org.uk 07932423409.
JPF Coordinator is Richard Dweck dweckr@mhchs.org.uk (020) 8959 0017.
VIPs attending the event, and who helped present awards, included Mayor of Barnet,
Cllr Mark Shooter who said “An inspirational evening with so many happy young people
who have been rewarded for their achievements. I know that this recognition will encourage
them to continue to grow and inspire themselves and their peers. Jack Petchey is a
wonderful Foundation and I hope it continues to grow and encourage young people.”
Borough Police Commander for Barnet Det. Chief Super Adrian Usher said “It is a really
virtuous cycle as the young people here tonight have been inspired by teachers and Jack
Petchey’s story and I know that they will go on to inspire others to follow the same path.
Congratulations to all the winners this evening.
Now celebrating its 15th year the Jack Petchey Foundation was established in 1999 to
recognise the positive contributions young people make to society and to support them in
achieving their potential. Since then it has invested £90 million to a wide range of 2,000
youth initiatives across London and Essex.
Founder, Jack Petchey CBE, aged 89, 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.”
For more information visit www.jackpetcheyfoundation.org.uk. Follow JPF on Facebook
www.facebook.com/JackPetcheyFoundation and Twitter @JPFoundation
ENDS
PRESS INFORMATION FROM CHRISTINE BAKER, CHRISTEN PR 01992 815907 (O)
07768 120249 (M) Christine.baker@christenltd.co.uk
NOTES FOR EDITORS:
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The Achievement Awards scheme is a peer recognition scheme and includes grass roots
youth clubs, youth organisations, secondary schools and uniformed organisations throughout
London and Essex.
Nominations are made by young people as well as teachers, parents, and supporting adults.
The young award winners choose how best to spend their award money to the benefit of their
club or school
The Jack Petchey Foundation also funds other programmes that celebrate positive
contributions of young people in society. “Speak Out” is the world’s largest public speaking
competition for young people.
“Step into Dance” provides opportunities for dance in over 150 schools.
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The Individual grants for the Volunteers Fund supports young people who are giving up their
time for the benefit of another community.
www.jackpetcheyfoundation.org.uk