The Jack Petchey Foundation hosted a special event to celebrate at Millfield Theatre

The six Jack Petchey winners from Enfield, clockwise from top left: Adam, Angel, Jia, Hameedah, Shannon, Warren — Jack Petchey winners from Enfield, clockwise from top left: Adam, Angel, Jia, Hameedah, Shannon, Warren

Almost 100 “incredible” young people from schools and colleges in Enfield received prestigious Jack Petchey Foundation Achievement Awards at a live event at Millfield Theatre.

The event celebrated achievement award winners aged from 11-25 in Enfield 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 education body.

In addition, six 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, founded by the late London entrepreneur Sir Jack Petchey in 1999, has invested over £2.1m in Enfield since funding started.

Destiny Karakus, an associate cabinet member for Enfield Council, handed out awards on the night. Cllr Karakus said: “I feel very empowered to be here this evening, not as a student anymore but as a community leader. This is my message to our young people to never give up and continue being as amazing as they are.

“There are no limits to what you can achieve, except the limits you accept in your mind.”

Among Enfield’s 96 award winners was Jia Ming Zheng, aged 14, who attends The Latymer School. Jia won the Jack Petchey Achievement Award for dedication and inspiring efforts to share the Chinese culture with her peers. After attending a Beijing summer camp, she shared her enriching experience with her peers with a presentation.

Jia decided to spend her £300 grant on a piccolo trumpet for the music department.. She said: “The Jack Petchey awards ceremony was a great experience and it is a great honour to receive this prize!”

Shannon Bako, 15, who attends Durants School, won an award “for making fantastic progress and gaining confidence”. Said to be a “great role model”, Shannon said: “I felt so proud of myself and feel even more motivated and able to do more in the future. The award ceremony was so inspiring. If I can do it, so can you!”

Shannon decided to spend her £300 grant on a class trip to the Japan Centre for Japanese food.

Hameedah Adedayo, aged twelve and a pupil at Heron Hall Academy, was a winner for her “positivity and dedication”, while Highlands School student Warren Kelly, aged 17, won for his “supportive nature” and setting up a Friday Lego club.

Adam Jagiello, aged eleven, attends Enfield Town Shotokan Karate Club and won an award for his “helpful nature and dedication to the club”. He regularly attends club evenings “rarely missing a session” and “always shows good spirit and etiquette”. Adam decided to spend his £300 grant on a meal with his peers.

Angel Sanyaolu, aged twelve, attends Aylward Academy and won an award for her “excellent attitude to learning”. She decided to spend her £300 grant on a year eight rewards trip.

For more information about the Jack Petchey Foundation Achievement Awards:
Visit jackpetcheyfoundation.org.uk

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