Annual Awards Richly Deserved

At the final assembly of term, it was a tremendous privilege to present the annual awards to four fantastic students.

(Pictured from left to right: Katie Barons, Jemima Hardwick, Caitlin Tyrrell, Kelsea Purchall) 

The Governors’ Citizenship Shield for involvement in student representation, politics and citizenship in general was awarded to Jemima Hardwick (Year 12). Jemima has been involved in many Sixth Form citizenship activities, including local democracy week and as part of the pilot for ‘Focus Five’, our employability skills initiative. Jemima was also part of our very successful Youth Speaks team, and won the prize for Best Proposer of Thanks at the regional event.

The Spirit of Devon Award is for the student who has made most academic progress from the start of Year 7 to the end of Year 9. This was presented to Caitlin Tyrrell. Not only has Caitlin made excellent progress, but she also contributes much to Clyst Vale through sport and drama, appearing in both Les Misérables and Sweeney Todd. Out of school, she is an accomplished club swimmer.

The Caring Cup is for the student who has done most to support others. Katie Barons in Year 13 is a truly deserving winner. She has been a committed and active member of the Amnesty Group for several years, helping to raise awareness of human rights issues and raising funds, too. Katie has supported younger students through mentoring schemes.  She has also supported dozens of students in Health & Social Care, ranging from help with topics and issues to being a listening ear to more social difficulties.

The Ostler Award for Outstanding Personal Achievement was awarded to Kelsea Purchall (Year 10). The Ostlers were two former students who had a range of talents across sport and performing arts, reaching international level in basketball, and with a great commitment to Clyst Vale.  Kelsea is similar in many ways. She is a talented athlete, winning the Victrix Ludorum on Sports Day, with two new College records. She plays all sports well, representing the College at more than one. She is also developing a talent as a singer. However, her outstanding personal achievement is in rugby: Captain of our Twickenham champions in April, she has also represented the South West, and has been selected for the England Under 15 Development Squad. In very different ways, these students are a credit to Clyst Vale, role models for others, and thoroughly deserving in their recognition.