A GROUP of talented musicians ended the year with a crescendo after being awarded a school’s highest honour.
The band of students at Carmel College, Darlington, became the first group to be awarded the coveted John Caden.
Normally awarded to a single student, the award recognises contributions which make a difference and enrich life at the college.
Principal and Carmel Education Trust Chief Executive officer Maura Regan told a packed audience of family and friends: “It is my privilege to make this award but this year it proved so difficult.
“This group of musicians have made such a difference and had such an impact on the College that, for the first time, I had to award it jointly to them all.”
Head boy Tom Jackson, who was among the group called Carmel Pit Band, said: “We feel incredibly privileged to collect this award, particularly when all the students here at Carmel contribute so much to make the College outstanding.”
The award was the culmination of a night of accolades in which last year’s Year 11 and 13 students were rewarded for their endeavours.
Guest of honour Maria Matthews, a former Headteacher and current Director of the Carmel Educational Trust, presented the awards.
She told the audience: “At this wonderful College you have received the very best of everything: the very best individual care and support and the very best learning experience. The fantastic team here supported you and enabled you to flourish; giving you the self-assurance to move on. We are rightly proud of your academic achievements.”
“You are now independent, resilient and responsible young people – ready and able to survive in a very tough world. And you wonderful young people are also very aware of the needs of others – not just in your own community but further afield in the wider community and across the world.”
Visitors were also treated to an evening of readings and musical performances including a festive rendition in Spanish by the staff.
Miss Regan added: “All of our staff and students contribute hugely to the vibrancy that exists at Carmel College and tonight is deserved recognition for all of their efforts.”
Results
Applied Science, Alexander Park
Outstanding Achievement in Art, Niall Brown
Biology, Elizabeth Tulloch
Business Studies, Sophie Hutchinson
Chemistry, Christopher Jones
Childcare, Learning and Development, Stephanie Bailey
Electronics, Thomas Manning
English Language, Emily Smith
English Literature, Thomas Brown and Kelly Schweizer
Geography Prize, James Owen
Achievement in Health & Social Care, Gemma Choppin
History Prize, Connor Kirkpatrick
ICT Award, Dayle Cook
Creative ICT Award, Gurjot Bagri
Law, Joshua Fraser
Student Librarian Award, Margaret Hart
Mathematics, Joe Walsh and Andrew McGovern
Achievement in Media Studies, Daniel Owen
Modern Foreign Languages, Joseph Mash
Music, Talitha Devey
Achievement in Photography, Emma Nendick
Physics, Owen Thomson
Psychology, Kelly Schweizer and Chloe Rance
Public Services, Charlotte Field and Conor Moss
Religious Studies, Talitha Devey
Sociology, Ashleigh Murray
Sports Studies, Jonathan Kay
Achievement in Theatre Studies, Ashleigh Murray
Travel and Tourism Award, Michael Keller
Head Boy, Head Girl, Matthew Brown and Elly Humphrey
Best A Level Results, Joseph Mash, Elly Humphrey, Olivia Morris, Daniel Lavender, Daniel Owen, Owen Thomson
Best GCSE Results, Catherine Lavender, Margaret Hart, Daniel Gibbs, Lindsey Carmel
White Memorial Shields for Recognition of Achievement, Klaudia Siegel
Dr Allan Mitchell Award for Business Enterprise, Lucy Robson
Rotary Club Award, Andrew Dobson
John Caden Cup, Carmel Pit Band, Tom Bussey, George Ford, James Harris, Ciaran Jasper, Tom Jackson, John Oliver, Tom Shorten