Celebrating the incredible achievements of children and young people at the Young Achievers' Awards
Together for Children celebrates incredible achievements of children and young people at Sunderland Young Achievers' Awards
Together for Children, which delivers children's services on behalf of Sunderland City Council, hosted the city's 29th Sunderland Young Achievers' Awards with an online ceremony on Friday 20 July.
The awards, which are organised by Together for Children, recognise and celebrate the talent, bravery and positive contribution young people across our city have made to the lives of their peers, families and communities.
Sam Ogle, aged 13, was named as the winner of the Personal Achievement award. Sam lives with cerebral palsy, has difficulties with verbal communication and needs additional support in his everyday life. Despite the personal challenges he faces, Sam is a key member of his school community and shows his peers what it is to be resilient and positive on a daily basis. During lockdown, Sam took part in a range of challenges set by his school and blew his teachers and peers away with his creativity. He's also the coach of his school's football team and volunteers with coaching in his own time. Keen to spread his positivity even further, Sam recently raised over £1,000 for a local children's hospital with a read-a-thon.
Sam was nominated by staff from his school, Biddick Academy, who told us: "We have nominated Sam as he is a prime example to everyone of being the best we can be, having ambition, and doing everything possible to fulfil dreams. He is an inspiration to all who have the pleasure of meeting him."
Sam was also named the Overall Winner of the awards, receiving the Andy Neal Award that was presented by Mayor of the City of Sunderland, Councillor Henry Trueman.
Sam's mum, Mel Ogle, told us: "We are all so thrilled. Sam is absolutely amazed by his win - he feels very proud of himself and more motivated than ever! Sam is smashing his life goals and his is so determined to make disability a positive thing and show people that you can achieve in lots of different ways if you are determined and stay positive.
We are in awe of his attitude. He is the bravest, most courageous and resilient person anyone could meet. He is so modest and never boasts about his achievements. He really is an inspiration to many people and has the best smile in the whole world!"
Other outstanding young people from Sunderland were also recognised at the awards across a range of categories, including Young Carer, Volunteer, Service to the Community, Music & Performing Arts and Academic Achievement.
Jill Colbert, Chief Executive at Together for Children, said: "We host the Young Achievers' Awards annually and as we all know, the last 12 months in particular have been filled with challenges for all of us. We know that the impact of the pandemic on children and young people in Sunderland has been significant, with many no doubt experiencing feelings of isolation as they've been separated from loved ones, friends, peers, teachers and others in their communities. Despite the adversity faced, children and young people across our city have shown us that once again that they don't let anything get in their way.
"The talent, resilience, kindness and passion the young people nominated have demonstrated deserves all of our recognition, pride and praise. The pandemic has once again prevented us from celebrating in person, but this didn't put a dampener on our celebrations and a fantastic evening was had by all. Well done to all of our nominees, highly commended and winners, you'd done yourselves and our city proud!"
Cllr Louise Farthing, Portfolio Holder for Children's Services at Sunderland City Council, added: "Congratulations to all who were nominated for an award at the Sunderland Young Achievers' Awards. It was wonderful to hear about the astonishing achievements of young people across our city, from those who are excelling academically or giving their all to their sport, to those who are following their passions or giving back to their communities and volunteering. Everyone who was nominated deserves to be recognised for their hard work and commitment and I'd like to extend my congratulations to all and say a huge well done."
This year's awards sponsors were Gentoo, Groundshire, Mind of My Own, NCFE, R&B Group, Smart Outdoor, Sunderland Carers Centre, and Sunderland City Council.
Nominations for the Young Achievers' Awards 2022 will open early next year, ahead of the 30th Sunderland Young Achievers' Awards ceremony due to take place in the summer.
You can watch the ceremony again on YouTube.
Full list of winners:
Service to the Community (8-13 years)
Grace Clark - Winner
Gabriella Bland - Highly Commended
Service to the Community (14-20 years)
Jack Berry - Winner
Jake Adams - Highly Commended
Service to the Community (Groups)
Foundation of Light NCS Action Group - Winner
Change Council (16+) - Highly Commended
Academic Achievement (8-13 years)
Sophie Brown - Winner
Leighton McBernie - Highly Commended
Academic Achievement (14-20 years)
Kairo Short - Winner
Josh Fowler - Highly Commended
Young Carer (8-13 years)
Lennon Baker - Winner
Harvey Farquhar - Highly Commended
Young Carer (8-13 years)
Ellie Jane Bewick - Winner
Kate Burke - Highly Commended
Sport (8-13 years)
Robbie Naissbett - Winner
Sophie Nicola Slasor - Highly Commended
Sport (14-20 years)
Elizabeth McKinnon - Winner
Ethan Brown - Highly Commended
Music and Performing Arts (8-13 years)
Ellie White - Winner
Music and Performing Arts (14-20 yearrs)
Bridie Barrett - Winner
Chloe Little - Highly Commended
Music and Performing Arts (Group)
Southmoor Academy Year 13 Drama Students - Winner
Volunteer (14-20 years)
John Brown - Winner
Matilda Barry - Highly Commended
School Council (Group)
Barbara Priestman Student Council
Personal Achievement (8-13 years)
Sam Ogle - Winner
Ellie Middleton - Highly Commended
Personal Achievement (14-20 years)
Mohammed Adel Nassir - Winner
Bradley Black - Highly Commended
The Andy Neal Award (Overall Winner)
Sam Ogle
