RISING stars in the world of music, science and sport have been recognised with an outstanding school honour.
Year 11 students at Northallerton School and Sixth Form College Joe Riordan and Hannah Bell were presented with the coveted John Dennis Award, after demonstrating outstanding attitude, commitment and honourable conduct which contributed most to the character and reputation of the school.
Named after the school’s late former chair of governors John Dennis MBE, the award was presented by executive principal Keith Prytherch and year manager Reuben Tyreman at the Year 11 end of year assembly.
Top performing student Joe, 16, of Northallerton, who was awarded the Ogden Trust Physicist of the Year in 2017, is currently taking his GCSE examinations and hopes to continue his studies at A level in maths, further maths and physics.
The budding astrophysicist and wannabe indie rock star, who also plays lead guitar in a yet to be named college band, said: “The John Dennis Award is a unique honour and I feel very pleased to have received it.
“As you have to be nominated by a member of staff and then voted for by your fellow students it makes it all the more special to have been chosen as the winner.”
Sports star Hannah, 16, of Danby Wiske, who has captained the school team and represented the area, county and Northallerton Ladies at hockey is also looking to continue her further education in biology, chemistry and PE with ambitions of studying to become a doctor.
“The John Dennis Award is very special and just to be nominated shows that the staff here really understand the hard work and dedication that I put into my studies and sport,” she said.
“It also makes me feel really proud to have been recognised by my peers and even more determined to work hard in the future.”
Mr Prytherch said: “It was a real pleasure to present the award to these very deserving students. In their lives so far they have achieved so much and, just like John Dennis, they will go on and play a major role in their chosen profession. It has been a delight to have them at school and I wish them well for the future.”