Annual Prize Giving Event

Stokesley School hosted its annual Prize Giving event on Thursday 24th October 2019. This wonderful evening celebrated the achievements of over fifty students from year seven right through to year thirteen.

Academic success was celebrated via the subject awards nominated by staff including a double nomination for sixth form student Dominic in Further Maths and Physics. However, it is not only students’ academic ability that makes them the pride of Stokesley School; it is also their character which was rightly recognised. A host of endowed trophies were presented for a range of reasons including: sporting achievements; being a ‘good egg’; triumph over adversity and more.

On arrival, guests were treated to a range of mouthwatering canapes which Stokesley School hospitality students had worked all day to produce under the tutelage of Head of Department Mrs Carol-Lyn Murphy.

 The evening ceremony itself was hosted by the Head Boy and Head Girl Jack Finch and Isla Park. They lead the whole event and read heartfelt citations from the staff. The highlight of the evening had to be when Isla herself was awarded the Areté Learning Trust Award for ‘Being the Best You Can Be’ by the CEO of the academy trust, Mrs Catherine Brooker. Isla had no idea she was due to receive this award and it therefore came as an emotional surprise.

 Presenting the prizes was our guest speaker for the evening Professor Graham Henderson CBE, former Vice-Chancellor of Teesside University, Deputy Lord Lieutenant and a member of the academy trust. He spoke warmly of the students’ achievements and shared his own journey to success through hard work and the seizing of opportunities.

 Headteacher Hannah Millett said “This is a truly wonderful event that brings together the whole community: staff, students, parents, carers and invited local guests from organisations such as the Rotary. I am exceedingly proud of our students and the fact that they demonstrate not only aptitude for their subjects, but also kindness, resilience, selflessness and more. We are also incredibly grateful to Professor Henderson CBE for his precious time given voluntarily to our school.”

 Photos: Food created by Stokesley School Hospitality students; the trophies and certificates; Dominic and guest speaker Professor Graham Henderson CBE; Head Girl Isla with CEO, Catherine Brooker and guest speaker, Professor Graham Henderson CBE