An evening dedicated to kindness, courage and service saw more than 80 young people and adults recognised at the inaugural Bishop Hogarth Catholic Education Trust Virtues Awards. Held at Ramside Hall Hotel, the prestigious event brought together pupils, families, staff, governors, clergy and community leaders from across the Trust's family of schools to celebrate the individuals whose actions have made a lasting difference to others.
The awards were created to recognise those who embody the Trust's eight core virtues: Compassion, Justice, Confidence, Resilience, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility and Self-Belief. With almost 500 nominations received from schools across the Trust, being shortlisted was a significant achievement. In total, 80 nominees were invited to the ceremony, where their stories of kindness, determination and service were shared and celebrated.
Welcoming guests to the inaugural event, Chief Executive Officer Stuart McGhee reflected on the significance of the evening and the remarkable achievements of those being recognised.
He said: "It is wonderful to see so many people here this evening. To our nominees, their families and friends, our pupils and colleagues from across our schools, our Directors, governors, clergy and special guests, thank you for joining us. Tonight is a celebration. There are 80 remarkable nominees represented here this evening, young people and adults whose actions have made a difference to somebody else. To our nominees, congratulations. From almost 500 nominations, your story was one of those chosen to be shared here tonight."
Opening the evening, guests were reminded that every nominee had already achieved something special. The ceremony recognised young people who have supported classmates through difficult times, stood up for what is right, overcome personal challenges and helped others to believe in themselves. Staff members, volunteers and community figures were also honoured for the positive impact they have made within their schools and local communities.
Awards were presented in each virtue category for both young people and adults, with shortlisted nominees receiving a commemorative certificate and Virtues Awards pin badge before category winners were announced. One of the most moving moments of the evening came during the Resilience Award presentation, when a special family award was presented to James and Imogen Smith. Their story of strength and perseverance following family bereavement drew a standing ovation from guests and highlighted the supportive nature of the Trust community.
The evening also celebrated sporting excellence through a Special Achievement Award presented to Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School in Hartlepool and St Augustine's Catholic Primary School in Darlington. Earlier this year, both schools reached the National League Trust finals at Wembley Stadium after progressing through a nationwide competition involving more than 900 schools. Sacred Heart were crowned national champions, while St Augustine's finished as national runners-up.
Music played an important role throughout the event, with performances from the award-winning St Bede's Catholic Primary School Choir, recently named North East Primary Choir of the Year, and Carmel College Choir, which holds the title of North East Secondary Choir of the Year.
Guests were also treated to a special performance of ‘Today', the Trust's song celebrating community and shared identity. Performed by a choir made up of young people from across Bishop Hogarth Catholic Education Trust, the piece showcased the collaboration and unity that exists across the organisation's schools.
Bringing the evening to a close, organisers encouraged guests to reflect on the stories they had heard and consider how they could live out the Trust virtues in their own lives. The inaugural Virtues Awards highlighted the values that sit at the heart of Bishop Hogarth Catholic Education Trust and celebrated the people who quietly make a difference every day through their actions, choices and commitment to others.
Speaking about the success of the event, Deputy CEO Donna Hubbard-Young said:
"Our first Trust Virtues Awards evening was a truly special celebration of the people who make our schools and communities such wonderful places to learn, work and belong. We were overwhelmed by the number and quality of nominations received from across our Trust. Every nomination told a powerful story and highlighted the kindness, courage and dedication that can be found in all corners of our school community. The evening gave us the opportunity to recognise those who consistently put others first, overcome challenges with resilience, stand up for what is right and make a positive difference to the lives of those around them. We are incredibly proud of every nominee and award winner."
