Annual Newark Rotary Clubs’ Awards of Courage held at Newark Showground to celebrate the town’s young people.
An awards ceremony has celebrated courageous and hard-working young people from the area.
The Rotary Clubs of Newark and Newark Castle yesterday (March 18) held their annual Awards for Courage event at Newark Showground — which saw six young people nominated by their schools to receive the accolade.
It has been held since 2012, and this year the awards were presented to Emily Carr of Newark Orchard School, Anna and Dexter Hibbard of Tuxford Academy, Skyélett Garthwaite of Suthers School, Scarlett Hardy of Newark Academy, and Alex Almeida of Newark College.
The awards were presented by district governor Richard Vergette, and the ceremony led by Rotarian Mac Mallard. Also in attendance were deputy mayor Diane Ledger, Newark and Sherwood District Council vice-chairman Jean Hall, Sue Saddington, Balderton Parish Council chairman Jane Buxton and Rotary club presidents Robert Hattersley and Jim Wishart.
The first presentation was made to Emily Carr, who was nominated by Kelly Jones.
Kelly said: “Over the past few years I have had the privilege to see Emily mature and grow into the person she is today.
“She always offers support to her peers and friends, and often walks into class with a smile on her face.”
Emily was commended for her ability to deal with her health needs with patience, while not allowing it to stop her from trying new things and getting stuck into a range of activities to “push herself out of her comfort zone”.
She has helped to create a garden at Reach and also worked with classmates at Sconce and Devon Park.
Emily is set to leave Orchard School at the end of the school year, and will be heading to Portland College to continue her education.
Kelly added that she would “continue to be a wonderful young person who works hard and makes everyone smile.”
Emily said: “It’s great [to have got the award], I’ve done good at school and helping my friends out.
“I’m so happy I got it.”
Next to receive their awards were Anna and Dexter Hibbard, who were nominated by Julie Hough.
The siblings lost their mum in 2023 after an illness, who was also a member of staff at Tuxford Academy, but showed resilience as they continued to come to school and work hard.
Julie said: “They are two of the bravest children I’ve had the privilege of meeting.”
She spoke of their determination and strength to not only have lost their mum, but also continue to come to the school where she had dedicated much of her time.
They were said to have approached their work with a determination beyond their years, and managed to come in “bright and breezy” almost everyday.
Dexter said it was good to have been recognised, and Anna added : “It’s great.”
Skyélett Garthwaite was nominated by Wendy Redmond, as despite a number of difficulties over the year which have also impacted on her mental health, she continues to have a positive outlook and put others before herself.
Wendy said: “Skyélett is an extremely caring young person. She always puts people before herself.”
Despite the challenges she has faced, including becoming a young carer, Skyélett has remained determined.
She has completed her bronze D of E, and working on her silver, and is currently preparing for her GCSEs.
She is set to study childcare and early years at Stamford College — as she aims to work with SEN children.
Wendy added: “Skyélett is involved in a project we have at the school where year 11s visit Lancaster Grange in Fernwood.
“Last week she was playing dominoes with them. She’s made some lovely friendships there and we get great feedback.”
Skyélett was “absolutely thrilled” to have received the award, and couldn’t quite believe she was chosen.
The fourth nomination was for Scarlett Hardy, by Glenis Willis.
Due to her diagnoses of ADHD and PDA, Scarlett had found a school environment tough — but nonetheless had persevered and is now preparing for her GCSEs.
Glenis said: “She’s done amazing.
“Scarlett struggles sometimes with expectations and boundaries ,but she doesn’t like to be in trouble… she has been a model student in lessons over the years.”
She gave feedback from the support staff at the school, who described Scarlett as kind, funny and frank.
“I’m really proud of Scarlett,” Glenis added.
“We wish her all the best for her next steps at Newark College. Long may you continue to be that loveable character.”
Scarlett was pleased to receive the award and admitted she was a bit overwhelmed by it.
Last but not least to receive his award was Alex Almeida, who was nominated by Justin Day.
Justin said: “My journey with Alex has been a little bit shorter than some of the others. He joined us at Newark College in September.
“He was not quite sure what he wanted to do… he came down and had a chat about media and said ‘I need to talk to my parents about it, I’ll come back on Monday’.”
Alex did come back to the college and enrolled on the course, which he has since shown lots of enthusiasm for.
Despite being born with just 10% hearing, and wearing hearing aids that allow him to hear 50% Alex has “embraced” recording podcasts to evaluate his work — something which Justin admitted could even be difficult for students who don’t use hearing aids.
He was also said to be completely absorbed in his project and have excellent attendance.
He is currently studying a year-long level two course, and the college hopes he will stay on to move to the level three course afterwards.
“I’m proud that in such a short time I can nominate him for this and see his potential,” Justin added.
Alex said: “I don’t really get celebrated at all for what I do.
“Getting nominated made me happy about what I’m doing at college and happy about myself.”
Richard Vergette gave one futher award at the end of the presentations, in the form of a bouquet for Jane Mason.
He said: “I know a lot of people work hard to make this event happen but none more so than Jane Mason.”
In his closing speech he described the support and celebration of young people as one of the most important things Rotary does, and said the ceremony was “humbling”.
He added: “I’m honoured to be here to celebrate the achievements of these young people.”
A toast was also held by Rotary Club of Newark president Jim Wishart, who also offered his congratulations to the recipients.
