YOUNG heroes across Colchester have been recognised during a prestigious awards ceremony.
The 81 youngsters from schools and colleges in the city were presented Jack Petchey Foundation Achievement Awards during a special event at Charter Hall.
The ceremony celebrated the winners aged between 11 and 25 for incredible contributions made to their school or college community.
Among the winners who received medallions and framed certificates from along with a £250 grant was Alice Mainwood, who attends Colchester County High School for Girls.
The 17-year-old was handed the achievement award for committing to volunteer with a Rainbows group for four years, organising weekly activities and sorting out trips for the youngsters to enjoy.
Alice said: “Winning a Jack Petchey Achievement Award has hugely increased my confidence – I work with young girls in Ranbow units, trying to build their confidence and help them find strong voices.
“I always felt passionately about doing this especially since others helped me the same way when I was young but this award has helped me feel like my work is appreciated which is an amazing feeling.
“These awards help young people like myself feel proud of what we have achieved.”
Shankarshan Kundu, 18, of Colchester Royal Grammar School, was recognised for his passionate interest in aerospace and for taking part in the school’s green power project.
Additionally, he attends summer schools to improve his engineering skills and knowledge and also regularly volunteers with the British Heart Foundation.
Shankarshan said: “In Year 12, there were a lot of things I wanted to do with my peers, however, engineering projects and competitions were quite expensive.
“I hope the money from the award will allow younger students to participate without having the limited budget that I had.”
Jonty Ray, who also attends Colchester Royal Grammar School, was awarded for being a resilient and “outstanding” role model, while also qualifying for the national French Translation Bee final this July.
The 13-year-old said: “I was extremely proud to receive a Jack Petchey Achievement Award and hearing everyone else's stories really inspired me to keep achieving.”
Frances Wetton, 13, who attends St Benedict's Catholic College, impressed the foundation by supporting her community and raising a total of £600 for the Little Princess Trust.
She said: “I just wanted to raise some money for the Little Princess Trust and Colchester Foodbank – I never expected to get an award, what an unexpected surprise.”
Bhramav Rajesh, 14, of Colchester Royal Grammar School, was recognised for his involvement in many extra-curriculr activities, including playing the piano and violin, involving himself in public speaking and playing chess nationally.
Bhramav said: “I was nominated for this award by my great technology teacher, Mr McCain. He really motivated me never to stop pushing myself to achieve greater heights and always believe I can.”
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