A FATHER who put himself to the ultimate test of stamina and strength has shared his story with award-winning students at their academy's annual prize-giving.
Victor Fellowes' experience on the television show Bear Grylls' The Island fitted with themes of endeavour, integrity and achievement at Trinity Academy's awards event.
Victor, whose twin sons James and Victor are students at the academy, in Thorne, told how he and 27 other castaways were left to fend for themselves for six weeks on an island in Panama with only basic tools and just two days' training.
"The low points were at the end of each day when you knew you would have to do the same thing again tomorrow, never having enough food and missing my wife and the support network back home," he explained.
Victor said he tried to be honest and dependable. "In those circumstances you need to show tolerance and to be forgiving to yourself and others. Most of all you have to be truthful to yourself; to look into your own eyes in the mirror and be able to say I have done my best."
Held for the first time as an evening dinner for prize-winners and their families, the event recognised effort and achievement across all subjects, citizenship and contribution to the academy houses.
The Outstanding Student of the Year Award was shared between Shannon Horner, for her academic achievement and "unfaltering commitment to her studies" that has earned her a place at Cambridge University, and Taylor Cairns, for her compassion and support for others.
Of Taylor, academy principal David Page said: "Whoever she meets in life she will leave them happier for having met her."
The prize-giving, which was hosted by head boy and head girl Adam Osborne and Jessica Harvey, was a showcase for student talent with scenes from the academy productions of Animal Farm and Back to the 80s, dancing and performances by vocalists Blaize Howarth and Rebecca Leng.
The academy’s rugby squad also performed with songs and a rendition of the All Blacks’s famous haka.
The other major award winners were: Sportswoman of the Year: Kika-j Oliver Sportsman of the Year: Ryan Pentland The Special Lecture Award: Amy Butler The Academy Drama Bowl: Robin Coe, Mazi Fitzpatrick and Dale Smith The Chairman's Award for Musician of the Year: Daniel Sweed Alumni Award for Contribution to the Academy and Local Community: Rebecca Leng Megan Hennessey Prize for Art: Katy Leech Student Courage Award: Ryan Amesbury House Awards: Amy Barker, Abigail Ball, Kloise Walker The King's Academy Short Story Award: Sarah Roe
