St. John's Catholic School & Sixth Form College proudly hosted its first-ever "Virtues Awards Night," an unforgettable event dedicated to celebrating students who exemplify the Trust virtues of compassion, respect, honesty, justice, confidence, self-belief, resilience, and responsibility. The night was a resounding success, highlighting the extraordinary character and values of the students at St. John’s.

The event was a heartwarming celebration, as students were recognised for qualities that are intrinsic to their character. Proud parents beamed with pride and joy, expressing how wonderful it was to witness their children being honoured for having these characteristics. "It was fantastic to see students being celebrated for something that wasn't academic, but for something inherent to them and within their character," commented one parent.

Throughout the evening, numerous students from all year groups were honoured, showcasing the remarkable character within the school community. Additionally, four special trophies were awarded, recognising exceptional virtues and accomplishments:

 

  • The Sara Davies Award: Thomas Smurthwaite
  • The Leo Robinson Award: Isabelle Parry

  • The Bishop Kevin Dunn Award: Eleanor Tippey

  • The Community Angel Award: Evan McGowan 

  • The Eagle Award: April Greenup

Adding to the evening's excitement, attendees were treated to a special performance during the interval. Students showcased their talent with a preview of songs from their upcoming performance of "Les Misérables," captivating the audience and adding a touch of theatrical magic to the night.

The guest speaker for the evening was Alisha Cowie, a distinguished alumna of St John's. Alisha shared her inspiring journey, emphasising how the virtues celebrated that evening played a crucial role in shaping her into the person she is today. Her speech resonated deeply with both students and parents, reinforcing the importance of these core values in personal and professional growth.

Lisa Byron, Headteacher said, "We have all enjoyed an amazing evening celebrating our young people for the virtues they demonstrate in their daily lives.  They are all wonderful role models for St John's, and we are incredibly proud of each and every one. We would like to say a big Thank You to all of our winners and their families for making such positive contributions to our learning community, where young people can grow and flourish."

The Virtues Awards Night was a memorable and uplifting event, marking a new tradition of celebrating the heart and soul of St. John's Catholic School & Sixth Form College. The school looks forward to continuing this tradition and further creating an environment where intrinsic characteristics are recognised and celebrated.