Awards for Courage 2025

Pictured above are award recipients along with invited guests and dignitaries. (All photographs courtesy of the Newark Advertiser)

The Rotary Clubs of Newark and Newark Castle held their annual Awards for Courage event at Newark Showground on Monday 17th March 2025. As in previous years local schools were asked to nominate young people to receive the award and this year there was a tremendous response from the schools.

The Awards for Courage event has been held since 2012 and has proven to be very popular over the years, none more so than this year. At the ceremony awards were presented to:

• Lillie-Mae Hutchinson - Newark Orchard School
• Harry Whaley-Holmes - Newark Orchard School
• Zara Bryan - The Suthers School
• Max Desantis, (posthumous award)- The Suthers School
• James Watson - Magnus Church of England Academy
• Ellis Hodnett - the Air and Space Institute
• Cassie Glaves - Newark College
• Connie Adams – Tuxford Academy
• Leah Brooks – Newark Academy

The awards were presented by Rotary District Governor Philip Wilbourn, the ceremony led by Rotarian Jim Wishart with closing words from Jayne Mason, Newark Castle Rotary Club President.  Also in attendance were Newark Town Mayor, Diane Ledger; Newark and Sherwood District Council Chairman Jean Hall; Balderton Parish Council Chair, Jane Buxton; Rotary Assistant District Governor, Gordon Marsh and President of Newark Rotary Club, Ivor Walker.

The district governor Philip Wilbourn, who was handing out the awards, highlighted the school’s and teachers’ work in bringing up such bright and inspiring students.  He said: “You are the difference and you make a difference so thank you schools and thank you teachers for these outstanding candidates and all the work you do.”

Jayne Mason, the president of Newark Castle Rotary Club, has been involved in the event for around seven years and said “The awards ceremony is my favourite event.  It is just so lovely for the children to be recognised, you see the smiles on their faces and it’s just so deserving.  I find it a very emotional event and I love to make them feel good about themselves when they have been through quite a lot in their short lives.”

Newark town mayor Diane Ledger said “It is really inspiring and emotional. As a mum and knowing the hardships children can go through, the fact that they are still learning and doing everything that they want to do and for their courage, I just think it is amazing.  I have known one of the nominees since she was a baby and it is just lovely to see her here because I know exactly what she has been going through.  So a big thanks to the Rotary Clubs of Newark and Newark Castle for actually doing these awards.”

The Rotary Clubs of Newark and Newark Castle would also like to thank all of the sponsors for their generosity in supporting and attending this worthy event, the Newark Advertiser for covering the event and the Newark Showground for hosting. The feature by the Newark Advertiser can be found by clicking on the link below.

https://www.newarkadvertiser.co.uk/news/young-people-celebrated-for-their-hard-work-courage-and-res-9408860/

The event sponsors for 2025 were:

Award Recipients for 2025:

Lillie-Mae Hutchinson - Newark Orchard School (Nominator- Kelly Jones)

The first presentation was made to Lillie-Mae, who was nominated by Kelly Jones for her ‘incredible’ resilience when she had to undergo an operation after suffering from scoliosis for many years.  Not only did she show patience when the operation was postponed several times, but also showed great determination to get up and get moving once it was completed.

Kelly said: “Lillie-Mae is an exceptionally kind and happy young person who has never lost her smile even through what has been quite a difficult year.  Her determination has been an example to us all, she has always been an inspiration and has shown us that determination and being positive go a long way in helping with recovery.”

Lillie-Mae is set to leave Orchard School at the end of the school year and will be heading to Portland College to continue her education.

Harry Whaley-Holmes - Newark Orchard School (Nominator - Suz Stokes)

Next to receive his award was Harry Whaley-Holmes, who was also nominated by Kelly Jones.  Harry has had numerous operations over the years, however he was said to never let it interfere either with his happy nature or with his love of learning.  Kelly said that Harry has left an impact not only on all members of staff but the students too, and that he will be missed when he leaves the school in July.

Harry, who was described as always going to school with a smile and not letting anything stop him from what he wants to do said: “I am proud of winning this award and very happy to be here today. It is very nice to see all the hard work I put into it being recognised.”

Zara Bryan - The Suthers School (Nominator – Wendy Redmond)

Zara was subject to anonymous online bullying which included inappropriate material being distributed to her friends. Despite being distressed Zara has shown great resilience and courage to overcome chronic anxiety facing her peers not knowing if anu of them were responsible or involved.

Zara worked closely with the police to help identify who and where the material came from and is still working to re-build her self-confidence and is now ready to put this behind her.

Max Desantis, (posthumous award)- The Suthers School (Nominator – Wendy Redmond)

Max, a vibrant Year 8 pupil, touched the hearts of everyone at The Suthers School before losing his battle with cancer in October 2024.

His passion for trains was evident through his popular YouTube channel, where he shared his love for train spotting and steam locomotives.

Despite his illness Max remained an avid learner, eager to explore the world and absorb knowledge.  His infectious smile and positive spirit bought joy to all who knew him, friends and staff alike, leaving a legacy of kindness and curiosity.

James Watson - Magnus Church of England Academy (Nominator – Rebecca Brown)

James joined Magnus Academy from William Gladstone Primary school in September 2019 and from day one has embraced mainstream secondary school forming firm friendships with a large group of true friends.  James has faced his challenges with Muscular Dystrophy with a single-minded determination to take full part in every activity in school.  James has been seen playing football at break times playing in goal whilst in his wheelchair! He has an infectious personality , you very rarely see him without a smile on his face, a true testament not only to James but for his parents who encourage and support him.  He is a valued member of the Magnus Academy family.

Ellis Hodnett - the Air and Space Institute (Nominator – Lyn Baker)

Ellis worked diligently and consistently to improve his GCSE English Language grade in the run-up to the November re-sit examinations. He attended revision sessions at Newark College and completed work at home even though a family member has a serious illness.  Despite not achieving the grade he wanted Ellis has huge reserves of resilience and is continuing to work hard to make his family proud and achieve the grades he so rightly deserves. Unfortunately Ellis was unable to attend on the day so his nominator, Lyn Baker, accepted the award on his behalf.

Cassie Glaves - Newark College (Nominator – Lyn Baker)

When Cassie arrived at Newark College in September 2024 she had not spoken since March 2023.  She fpound lessons very loud, over stimulating and had difficulty concentrating.  Cassie could have given up but instead she persevered and with the help of Learning Supprt, in November Cassie began talking again.  This was aa big moment for her and all those who encouraged her along the way.  Cassie has a beautiful voice and we are very happy that she uses it with us at Newark College.

Cassie said: “Honestly I did not know it even existed until my tutor told me.  I was very surprised to receive it.  I couldn’t speak for 18 months, it was the exam season when I was in secondary school.  I feel a whole lot more free, I get more of an opinion as I can tell people how I feel now.”

Connie Adams – Tuxford Academy (Nominator – Emily Teece)

Connie has had an incredibly tough couple of years, she has struggled with her mental health, then found out that she found out that she required major surgery on her hip and may not be able to dance again.  After surgery she was off school for several weeks, she then contracted Viral Meningitis which further pushed back her recovery.  The medication she was given to help her after surgery caused further problems causing her stomach to bleed which is still under investigation as it has caused lasting damage.  During her recovery the family home was broken into and their cars stolen.  Despite everything Connie has continued to push herself and managed to complete her mocks, despite looming surgery to remove screws from her hips.  Connie is a remarkable young lady and deserves all the praise for her resilience and courage.

Leah Brooks – Newark Academy (Nominator – Clair Kent)

Leah has an ADHD diagnosis and it is fair to say that her journey at Newark Academy has been a rollercoaster with many ups and downs.  She used to be a real firecracker exploding around the building, but she has transformed herself into a wonderful, polite young lady who is exceeding expectations as she heads toward sitting her GCSEs.  Leah has already secured her place in September at Lincoln College where she will train to become a teaching assistant.  We have nominated her as we really don’t think she realises how absolutely amazing she is.