STUDENTS are beginning to reap what they sow as an academy enjoys a resurgence that is benefiting the community at large.
Darlington residents who need support will receive a major boost thanks to the generosity of students at St Aidan’s Academy.
A huge collection of tinned and dried goods was donated during a harvest festival act of worship for St Columbus Church food bank.
Principal Nicole Gibbon told students: “We have had such tremendous support from the Darlington community over the past year in particular, so we wanted to dedicate our harvest festival to a local food bank.
“Our students wanted to achieve something collectively to say thank you to Darlington and help the wonderful community that has helped us.”
Director of Learning Maths David Spenceley led the act of worship that highlighted the plight of people around the world who do not have enough to eat – including residents of Darlington.
“My grandfather was a farmer and I wanted to be one too,” he said. “I loved the thought of preparing the land, sowing the seed and nurturing the crops. But I am a teacher not a farmer, though in many ways St Aidan’s is doing a similar job.
“It is an environment that is safe and fertile for young minds, where seeds of knowledge are sown and where outstanding teachers nurture and feed learning to help students progress and grow.”
School chaplain Martin Stand told students: “It is incredible to think in the 21st century that food banks are a necessity in Darlington and the rest of the country, but they are and your contribution will have a real impact on people’s lives.”
