Jack Petchey Foundation honours achievements of local youth

Lali Mohammed of Ark Putney Academy gave away her cash prize

68 young people from schools across Wandsworth came together to receive prestigious Jack Petchey Foundation Achievement Awards presented at the Wandsworth Civic Centre.

The event last month honoured Achievement Award winners aged 11-25 who received medallions to go with their framed certificate and a cheque for £250 each, already presented. They were nominated by their peers and leaders, winning awards for a variety of achievements big and small but always for doing their best.

One of the winners was Lali Mohammed, aged 15, who attends Ark Putney Academy. Lali joined the Academy last year from another school, yet she jumped into Ark Academy life straight away, joining the choir. Within two months, she had performed in public for the first time in her life at the Wandsworth Jack Petchey Achievement Awards 2016. Since then, she has learnt how to play the drums and bass guitar and has become an integral part of the Year 10 band, ‘Sonus’, as a singer and bass player. She has demonstrated her commitment to improving her musical performance skills by attending choir three nights a week and has inspired many others in the choir to sing harmonies. Lali's personal confidence has come on in leaps and bounds, but she still has the drive and ambition to improve. She decided to spend her £250 prize on a new bass guitar for the music department.

Taha Suleman, aged 13, attends Ernest Bevin College. Since arriving at the school he has actively taken part in extracurricular activities and is currently a member of several after school clubs, including table tennis, athletics club and cricket club. Outside of school, Taha is a member of the Spencer Cricket Club and the Battersea Cadet League organisation, where he learns survival techniques to be used in the wild. Some of Taha’s recent achievements include creating a fully functioning gaming website and gaining the most achievement points in his Year.

Kevin Armoa, aged 15, attends St John Bosco College. He was commended for his hard work and dedication to the college’s rugby team. Through diligence and commitment to the rugby team and other afterschool clubs, Kevin has been appointed as the Key Stage 4 Captain. He has worked tirelessly to be the best and sets a good example to his peers on and off the pitch. With a quiet confidence, Kevin has led the team to some impressive victories this season.

Kevin Armoa

Mohamed Bamba, aged 14, attends Garratt Park School. He is always a hardworking, happy young man and was describe as an excellent role model for his class. Nothing is ever too much for him to do and he will always offer to help someone if they need it. Mohamed is kind and always speaks to teachers with respect.

Mohamed Bamba

In addition, five adults were also celebrated with Leader Awards who have demonstrated, in an outstanding way, an ability to motivate young people. They received a medallion and a framed certificate.

Youth organisations and schools in Wandsworth have received funding of £534,900 from the Jack Petchey Foundation since funding started in 2007.

Cllr. Richard Field, Mayor of Wandsworth, who presented the awards commented, “Another great evening; a wonderful organisation and tremendous achievements of our young people in Wandsworth. I was very proud to be here - congratulations to all!”

Cllr. Clare Salier, Chair of the Education and Children’s Social Services Committee, added, “A fun evening celebrating the wonderful achievements of our Wandsworth young people and the great work that the Jack Petchey Foundation undertakes in the borough. Thank you for letting me be a part of it.”

April 12, 2017