Bassetlaw: Brave pupils dazzle at Children of Courage awards

The ceremony, held at Worksop Town Hall on Monday 23rd June by the Rotary Clubs of Bassetlaw, saw eight pupils who have demonstrated outstanding courage throughout the year collect awards presented by Chairman of Bassetlaw Council Gillian Freeman and Rotary District Governer Peter Moralee.

The awards were handed out to rapturous applause as the room heard remarkable stories of heroic actions and outstanding talent.

These included Georgina Wickens, who attends North Notts College in Worksop.

Georgina left the college to become a primary carer for her Father when he became terminally ill. Upon returning to the college when he sadly passed away, she received A grades in her exams despite her devastation at his passing.

Another Worksop pupil who was praised for his achievements was Rafeek Solaiman, of Outwood Academy Valley, who has displayed great positivity despite sustaining a brain injury in 2012.

Paige Cottingham, of Outwood Academy Valley, also received an award for working hard to make great improvements and becoming a top student after being excluded.

Coun Freeman said: “It’s an honour to represent Bassetlaw Council at the Children of Courage Awards. It takes someone very special to achieve so much despite situations beyond their control.”

FULL LIST OF WINNERS:

Maddie Osborne, of Elizabethan Academy in Retford- for speaking out against bullying and working hard at her studies despite being a primary carer for her Father.

Ellie Hanley, also of Elizabethan Academy in Retford- for always working hard and never complaining despite caring for her Mother.

Georgina Wickens, of North Notts College in Worksop- for leaving college to care for her Father after he became terminally ill, and achieving A grades upon returning to college after he passed away.

Paige Cottingham, of Outwood Academy Portland in Worksop- for working hard to improve and becoming a top student after being excluded.

Rafeek Solaiman, of Outwood Academy Valley in Worksop- for his positivity and unwavering determination at school despite sustaining a serious brain injury.

Natalie Tory, of St Giles School in Retford- for being an inspiration to the school and working hard at her studies despite having two major operations on her feet in the past two years.

Joe Hazel, of St Giles Post 16 Centre in Retford- for his fantastic sense of humour and positivity despite dealing with periods if illness and discomfort due to his disability.

Amy Street, of St Giles Post 16 Centre in Retford- for achieving brilliant grades despite problems at home and being an offered a place at University in Lincoln