Jack Petchey Foundation recognises young people from Harlow for amazing achievements

119 incredible young people from schools and colleges in Harlow received their prestigious Jack Petchey Foundation Achievement Awards presented at two live events at Harlow Playhouse.

The live events celebrated Achievement Award winners aged 11-25 from Harlow for their contributions to their school/college or club. Winners received medallions and framed certificates from the Foundation, along with a £300 grant for them to spend to benefit their school/college or youth group.

In addition, 10 adults were awarded Leader Awards for demonstrating outstanding ability to motivate young people. They each received a medallion and a framed certificate.

The Jack Petchey Foundation has invested over £1.5m in Harlow since funding started.

Cllr Andrew Johnson, Chair of Harlow District Council, who handed out awards on the first night, said: “It was a privilege to attend the Jack Petchey Achievement Awards and to celebrate Harlow’s outstanding young people; their stories of determination, generosity and courage were inspiring. The evening was a reflection that when invest in our young people, we help shape a stronger, better future for everyone.”

Danny Crates, Former British Athlete & Paralympic Gold Medallist, who handed out awards on the second night, said: “I have had the pleasure of attending these awards for over 10 years. As always, it’s never a surprise to see what our talented younger generation are achieving. That’s exactly what the Jack Petchey awards promote.”

 

Among the winners was 18 year old Emiley, who attends Harlow College

Emiley won the Jack Petchey Achievement Award for her resilience and bravery. Despite being out of school for some time, she has demonstrated incredible passion and strength as she adapted to college and continually pushed herself out of her comfort zone. Emiley is a kind, thoughtful and caring individual who has overcome many of her difficulties. This year in particular she has taken a huge step forward with her personal relationships in college. She has truly worked hard to build on her resilience, confidence and independence.

On winning the award, Emiley said: “I have excelled thanks to Harlow College and the staff that have supported me. Thank you.”

Emiley decided to spend her £300 Jack Petchey Achievement Award Grant on a trip with her Supported Studies classmates.

Since Sir Jack Petchey CBE set up the Foundation in 1999 to inspire, motivate and celebrate the achievements of young people, over £180m has been invested in their programmes across London and Essex. This investment has directly benefitted over 1.3 million young people and thousands more have benefitted indirectly from their work.

They have awarded over 235,000 Jack Petchey Achievement Awards to recognise young people’s achievements and over 2.5m people have attended a Jack Petchey Foundation event to celebrate young people.

As Sir Jack always 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.”