Aston & Thurcroft: Trust awards celebrate outstanding student achievements

The evening began with a performance from a choir made up of students from all three academic institutions in the Trust

The event celebrated outstanding student achievement at the three academies for which the Trust has strategic responsibility: Aston Academy, Thurcroft Junior Academy and Low Edges Junior Academy.

The evening opened with a song from a choir made up from students of all three academies, followed by a moving dance presentation dedicated to the memory of Aston student Josh Tyler, who died recently in a car accident.

The awards celebration covered a wide range of achievement.

Mohammed Hamasaleh, Travis Massey, Dione Palmer and Jason Wilcock all received awards for outstanding attendance.

Two students who had shown exceptional resilience in the face of adversity – Bethany Pitchford and Katherine Leflay – were celebrated, as were students Melissa Bartholomew, Chloe Bailey, Isabel Gratton and Ashley Gregory, who had performed outstanding community service.

Brogan Simmons, Macie Young and Daniel Grant all received awards for contributions to their respective Houses, while Chloe Bridges, Robyn Gillmore and Chelsie Cusworth-Brown received the Arts awards.

The awards for Elite Sports were given to Callum Hancock, Mia Finnie and Megan Nagy.

Isabel Pickles was recognised for her contribution to inclusive sport, whilst talented all-rounders Cameron Bamford, Alfie Marchant and Sarah Marsh won the Sports Awards.

Academic achievement and progress lie at the heart of the Trust’s work and this formed the climax of the evening.

Oliver Slack Christian Fiedziuszko, Charis Sewell and Ali Mitha all won the awards for outstanding progress, while four students, Ellie Marsden, Rhianna Nelson, Harrison Wood and Richard Nicklin, were recipients of the academic progress awards.

All the above qualities came into consideration when for Student of the Year, the most prestigious awards the trust presents.

Mia Ogden and Dasha Nastisiy were Thurcroft and Aston Key Stage Three Students of the Year respectively.

The overall Student of the Year for outstanding academic progress and exceptional contribution to the school was Aston Academy Year 12 student Sasha Kiddy

Karen Borthwick, Director for Education and Skills at Rotherham Council, gave a warm and inspirational address to the winning students.

And farewell presentations were made to teachers Annette Morris and John Dale, who were retiring after years of inspiring and professional service.