July news
'Night at the awards' for Portsmouth's premier pupils
140 outstanding pupils are being rewarded for their performances over the past year at a unique awards evening on Monday 14 July at Portsmouth's Guildhall - complete with red carpet, paparazzi, glitz and glamour.
Organised by the city council to recognise excellence in schools, the pupils have been judged by their peers for their achievements.
Pupils from over 32 different schools across the city have been nominated by fellow students in five categories:
- good attendance
- service to the community
- overcoming difficulties
- outstanding contribution to school life
- outstanding curriculum achievement
This is the fifth year the awards have been held - a representative panel of Portsmouth pupils from the ages of 7 to 16 have selected the award winners in each category, from whom an overall 'outstanding achievement' award winner will be announced at the awards evening.
All 140 nominees will be presented with a certificate and £10 gift voucher at the award ceremony. The individual category winners will be awarded with a certificate and £250 voucher. The one pupil revealed as the overall winner will receive a family weekend trip for four to Disneyland, Paris.
Guests at the evening include parents, the Lord Mayor, Vice Chancellor of Portsmouth University, schools and council representatives. Players from FA Cup winners Portsmouth Football Club will also be broadcasting recorded messages of congratulations for the pupils.
Eight young people will be hosting the event, that includes spectacular live performances. 'Tiny Spark' - a local rock band previously known as the Aviators - will provide live music throughout the evening in the build up to the release of their first single and a national tour in September.
Councillor Eleanor Scott is Cabinet member for Education, Children and Young People at Portsmouth City Council. She said: "Many of our pupils are a shining example to others and achieve great things in many areas of their lives.
"The nomination forms show incredible stories of courage and determination, children and young people overcoming the most incredible difficulties to succeed in school. Some have amazing talents, others have made huge progress, attended against the odds, or made their schools and communities better and happier places for everyone.
"This unique award ceremony is an opportunity for the best to receive the recognition they deserve. Every pupil at this event can be justifiably proud of their achievements - they are a credit to their schools and families.
"This will be a wonderful evening that will make us proud of the young people of this city.
"On behalf of the city council, I would also like to offer our thanks for the generous support of the sponsors."
The Pupil Awards are organised by the city council and supported by:
- University of Portsmouth
- John Pounds Appeal/Trust