A former world record holding Paralympian will offer words of inspiration when he visits a city school later this month to help celebrate over 200 school leavers’ success stories.
Gold medallist, Danny Crates a former British 800m runner, will attend Haywood Engineering College’s award’s evening to hand out certificates and awards to former students of the school for their academic and personal achievements.
Danny is the latest athlete to attend the college’s annual awards evening following paralympic cyclist Sarah Storey and pole vaulter Steven Lewis.
Pupils will receive awards for a variety of achievements including:-
• Adam Hughes, 16, - Award for Academic Achievement. - Adam has secured a wealth of A and A* grades and also made a superb contribution to the wider life of the school as a head boy, leading our student committees, and also as the key player in a number of musical productions.
• Becci Clews, 16, - Award for High Achievement. - Becci has balanced outstanding academic achievement with a deep passion for sports. She has inspired and enthused others as a sports ambassador for the north area of Stoke-on-Trent.
• Olivia Walker, 16, - Award for Service to the School - Olivia is an extremely talented dancer who has made a major contribution in developing dance at Haywood and in local primary schools through her role as a dance leader.
• Ahmad Tawakuli, 16, - Pupil Cup - Ahmad is awarded this for diligence, commitment and determination to aim high. As a result he has outperformed challenging target grades in all subject areas.
Councillor Debra Gratton, cabinet member for children’s services, said: “Danny is a huge inspiration, and this is a great opportunity for some of our young people to hear how they can continue to make a success even through the greatest adversity.
“The achievements of young people should not be underestimated and I will continue to encourage them to aspire to great things whether through school, or extra curricular activity, and especially at this time of global economic turbulence.”
Danny, who took up athletics after losing his right arm in a car accident while in Australia in 1994, represented Britain at the 2000 Summer Paralympics in Sydney where he won the bronze medal in the 400m sprint. He followed this by claiming gold in the 800m race at the 2004 Summer Paralympics in Athens. He also carried the Olympic torch in London in 2008.
The Haywood Engineering College Leavers’ Awards Evening takes place on Monday November 28, 2011 between 7pm and 9pm. The final part of the celebration will be outside so warm clothing is advised.