An unforgettable night: Honouring young heroes at the Northern Leaders Trust Community Champion Awards
We could never tire of supporting awards and achievements won by those in our community. The North East has so much to celebrate, and when we get the opportunity to celebrate with something tangible, celebrate we will!
Today, recognition must be given to the Northern Leaders Trust’s second annual Community Champion Awards, which was a resounding success.
We’re delighted to announce that nine honourable young people from Newcastle schools received an award for their exceptional contributions to the Newcastle community.
Inspiring speeches from notable figures
The dazzling awards ceremony, which was held on Friday 28 June at Kenton School, united nominees, as well as their families, friends and special guests, to celebrate these remarkable achievements.
The event included inspiring speeches from notable figures such as: Chi Onwurah, Labour Candidate (and now MP) for Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West Constituency; Major General David Shaw CBE representing Launchpad Veterans; Dr Thérèse Quincey, chair of the board of Trustees at Northern Leaders Trust; and Jack Lewis, 2023 Community Champion Award winner.
The awards were generously supported by a raft of prominent local companies, including Newcastle Eagles, Vertu Motors, and Greggs. Plus, the Evening Chronicle and the team here at Schools North East ensured optimal media coverage of the event.
Reflecting on the event’s success, CEO of Northern Leaders Trust, Lee Kirtley, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the nominees and attendees. He said: “This event is a testament to the incredible contributions of our young people. Their dedication and hard work inspire us all, and we are proud to celebrate their achievements.
“I would like to extend my thanks to the generous sponsors of the evening, without whom tonight would not have been possible.”
Nights like this don’t happen as often as they should
The evening’s celebrations included musical performances by five talented Kenton School students, and delicious food from a local catering company. Eight categories were acknowledged:
· Community Hero Award
· Young Volunteer of the Year Award
· Young Fundraiser of the Year Award
· Eco Ambassador Award
· Act of Kindness Award
· Young Carer Award
· Courage Award
· Special Recognition Award
Each winner received a £150 high-street retail voucher, a £50 book token, an engraved trophy and a certificate. An incredible prize for incredible young people!
Dr Thérèse Quincey presented the Special Recognition Award, the final award of the evening. She said: “It’s exciting to see the success of the Community Champion Awards for a second year and we already look forward to next year. We hope that awareness and nominations will continue to grow. We want it to keep getting bigger and better.”
Chris Zarraga, Director of Schools North East, said: “Congratulations to all the amazing young people who picked up a well-deserved award for their contributions to the community!
“We know there are amazing young people and achievements in all areas of the North East, but last Friday was specifically about celebrating those that have taken place in Newcastle, and we’ve loved reading about the successes.
“Keep shining and making a difference—you’re the future, and we’re all so proud of you.”
The night was a true celebration of the spirit and dedication of Newcastle’s young community champions, leaving everyone inspired and looking forward to next year’s event.
Northern Leaders Trust is a Schools North East Partner Trust . If you’d like to find out more about our Partner School membership, click here.
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