Brave and courageous young people honoured at annual Children of Courage ceremony at Newark Showground
Five young people from across the district were honoured at a ceremony on Monday.
The annual Awards of Courage was hosted by the Rotary Clubs of Newark and Newark Castle at the Cedric Ford Pavillion, Newark Showground.
Audiences heard the inspiring stories of each of the winners before they received a certificate and trophy.
Jayden Davenport, of Newark Orchard School; Micah Wilding, of Sir William Robertson Academy, Welbourn; Isaac Bristow, nominated by the Children’s Bereavement Centre; Henry Chater, of Newark Academy; and James Fletcher, of Newark College received awards.
Geoff Nicholls, president of Newark Castle Rotary Club, said: “The previous award ceremonies have shown us how much these award winners have had to endure to succeed in life.
“It is again a privilege for the two clubs to present these awards and acknowledge the achievements of these young people.”
Dave Ashley, of Belper and Duffield Rotary Club, gave the closing comments.
He said: “We hope that the award winners have had a really good day and I know from experience that they will remember this day for a long time to come. Let’s hope that we are able to continue and do another event similar to this next year where we are able to recognise another five worthy individuals.”
Simon Shaw, past president of Newark Rotary Club, said: “Thank you to everyone for attending, and well done to the recipients of the awards.”
Micah Wilding— Sir William Robertson Academy
Micah Wilding is the only boy in school who skipps into his lessons each day
Micah has hyperplastic left heart syndrome which leaves him breathless and extremely fatigued. He also has cerebral palsy and has recently been diagnosed with epilepsy.
However, the year eight pupil refuses to let his disabilities get in the way of enjoying school life.
Sarah Davies, who nominated Micah for the award, said: "Micah has shown considerable courage and fortitude since starting at SWRA in September 2020.
"Micah has a great group of friends, he tries really hard in every lesson and is incredibly determined not to allow his disabilities define him."
Micah started by going to school part-time. He now attends the same amount of lessons as any other student and his favourite subject is history.
"Micah is a bright, happy boy who has transitioned well to SWRA. He is aware of his physical disabilities and works incredibly hard to overcome them.
"We are incredibly proud of him and in awe of his courage and determination."
Jayden Davenport— Newark Orchard School
Jayden was given a Children of Courage Award to recognise his infectious personality and positivity.
The Newark Orchard School student attended the ceremony held at Newark Showground on Monday and received the accolade with a big smile.
Teacher Gemma Saxelby, who nominated Jayden for the award, said: "Jayden has been a valued member of our school community.
"He is a happy young man who always makes us smile with his witty jokes and singing. His love for 80s music and Disney films is infectious."
Jayden has struggled with health problems over the years but hasn't let that stop him from succeeding at school.
"Over the years, Jayden has overcome great difficulties after an operation to enable him to walk," said Gemma.
"Jayden showed strength, determination, and courage. He is now succeeding with his Travel Training supported by staff."
Jayden said: "I'm one of the best people in the class at school and I'm amazing at doing stuff.
"I feel happy and very proud. Thank you everybody for my award and to the teachers who nominated me."
Henry Chater— Newark Academy
Henry won pupils and teachers over at Newark Academy quickly with his unique personality and sense of humour.
He was nominated for a Children of Courage award by Glenis Willis.
Glenis said: "Henry has been an amazing young man and he has touched the heart of many people.
"Henry is on the Autistic spectrum and he is very happy— he'll happily chat about how this affects his life.
"He is the most lovable, friendliest guy and he's got an absolutely wicked sense of humour. He just has us all in stitches a lot of the time, even when he's supposed to be very serious."
The year 11 pupil will soon be heading to college to pursue his dreams of making films.
"He's got an amazing, vivid imagination and his head is such a fountain of knowledge of films. He's got this dream that he wants to create films so that's his next step," said Glenis.
"He is a wonderful human being and he touches the hearts of everyone he meets. If he likes you and trusts you, then you'll mean something to him to."
Henry said: "It's great, at first I was a wasn't very keen on coming today but I've really enjoyed it. I'll tell everyone at school."
Isaac Bristow— Children's Bereavement Centre
Isaac was nominated for a Children of Courage Award to mark the incredible resilience he showed when his mum unexpectedly colapsed last year.
Kate Baxter from the Children's Bereavement Centre said how Isaac was able to follow instructions and administer CPR until the emergency services and his dad arrived.
Unfortunately, Isaac's mum later passed away in hospital.
Kate said: "We support many many young people who have shown courage in different ways and we could've nominated any one of them.
"One of my colleagues nominated Isaac straight away. The reason being was to acknowledge the incredible thing he did trying to save his mum's life.
"He was absolutely amazing and we really wanted to recognise that. But also to recognise that despite that adversity, he has shown the most incredible resilience, sensitivity and maturity with a positive outlook for the future."
Isaac said: "I was really excited when I was told that I'd be getting this award. It was different and I've never done anything like this before.
"It's just nice to be recognised for my achievements."
James Fletcher— Newark College
James Fletcher has been described by staff at Newark College as a student they get up in the morning to come to work for.
He received a Child of Courage award to mark his achievements, despite having a difficult few years outside of education.
James lived with a foster carer for most of his life and this changed in 2021 when his foster carer retired.
Due to his age, James was unable to be re-housed which meant living independently away from his three siblings.
Justin Day, who works with James on his media studies course, said: "He is a great student, he's one that you get up in the morning to come to work for.
"The last couple of years have been difficult for everyone and doing everything online is nothing that we were ever prepared for, particularly with media studies.
"James has dealt with it so fabulously, he's also found a part-time job and he's just a pleasure to have around.
"We're really proud of him and hope that he'll continue his great work in the future."
James was recognised for his resilience and strength in the face of adversity.
Penny Taylor nominated James for the special award. She said: "James is a lovely young man who is always polite, always grateful and a genuinely nice person.
"James is a resilient young man who has had to adapt to changes throughout his life.
"We are proud of the way James has matured and adapted to these changes while ensuring his studies are up to date.
"We look forward to seeing James develop and achieve his goals which we know he can do."
