Try Angle awards presented to Dartford and Gravesham’s young achievers
The achievements of Dartford and Gravesham’s most inspirational young people were celebrated at the recent annual Try Angle awards held at the Orchard Theatre in Dartford.
During the evening, youngsters aged 10 – 18 were called up on stage to collect their glass trophies and certificates, to applause from families, carers and friends. There was entertainment during the evening from Northfleet Dance Crew and from Swan Valley Community School with Irish dancing. Young singers Hannah Drynan and Charlotte Coe performed together and there was a solo singing performance by Leah Murray. The evening also included a fashion show by Dartford Grammar School for Girls.
The Try Angle Awards recognise those who have overcome personal struggles in their lives and made an important contribution to their local community. Started by a Kent County Council youth worker in 1994, Try Angles aim to celebrate young people who have made real achievements.
Award categories
Personal Achievement in the Arts
Amy Hall, 16, Gravesend – Amy is an extremely hardworking and dedicated student, who is always looking for the next opportunity to improve her technique whether that be singing, acting or dancing. She volunteers her free time to help out with other dance lessons and performances.
Amy has been accepted into Wasted Youth dance theatre and has performed at Scoop in London, Trinity Theatre in Tunbridge Wells and is due to perform in The British Red Cross ‘Dance for Life’. Due to her dedication and commitment she is currently taking her A Level dance a year early.
Personal Achievement in Music
Christopher Taylor, 15, Meopham – Christopher has been nominated for this award due to his phenomenal progress in playing the guitar. Christopher has been studying tablature and has shown great commitment to succeed and is completely self-taught. He is a talented and dedicated guitarist and his nominator is in awe of the high level to which he can now perform.
Citizenship and Environment
Jodie O’Connor, 17, Gravesend – Jodie is in her school’s Student Voice scheme and is always assisting and helping at the school with a variety of things.
During the schools’ charity week Jodie suggested, planned and carried out fundraising for ‘Guide dogs for the Blind’. She encouraged staff to purchase home-made cakes and arranged for the charity to come in and talk to students. Every week, in her spare time, she assists younger students with their art lessons and also supports after school activities.
Bravery
Rory Newman, 16, Gravesend – Rory has been nominated by his school for his bravery in giving evidence in relation to a recent crime. Due to Rory’s bravery, a conviction was secured. He may be recommended for a commendation by a Judge. He has shown true bravery by giving evidence in a difficult situation.
Personal Achievement in Sport
Louise Todd, 13, Northfleet – Louise swims at Gravesend and Northfleet Club to a strict swimming regime. She also regularly takes part in competitions as well as completing homework and seeing friends and family.
Currently Louise is ranked 2nd in Britain for her age group for 100 metre and 200 metre backstroke and has qualified for the National Championships in July. Louise also competes for her school in the English Schools Championships. Louise is ranked 1st in the South East Region and competed in the Welsh Nationals last year. Her coaches say she had the drive and ability to go far.
Good friends and young carer
Michaela Barton, 13, Gravesend – Michaela has supported her mother with some recent difficult events. Throughout this time, Michaela has been there for her mother giving her support. She has taken on a caring role, cleaning, cooking and caring for her younger siblings as well as even delivering her Mum’s new arrival!
Meanwhile she is still doing well at school and is described as a happy and confident young woman, with a positive attitude.
Volunteering and Service to the Community
Oakfield Park Action Group (Esme Hutton, Ellie Keattch, Mia Paradine, Brannon Marshall & Rachel Dabner), Wilmington – This small group of young people approached Wilmington Parish Council last year to express concerns about the lack of outside play facilities for young people aged 8-13years. The Council were so impressed that they started a series of consultations with this group and the wider community to design such an area.
The group, along with other young people will help select the equipment and will be fully involved in the design layout and build process. Thanks to this group and others, Wilmington Parish Council has been awarded a £60,000 Playbuilder Grant to construct a play area for the use of the community.
Personal Development
Samantha Freer, 16, Greenhithe – Samantha is described as an ambitious student who is working diligently to complete her GCSE’s. Samantha has found it difficult to attend school lessons and has been creative to participate in her education by using video conferencing. Samantha has shown tremendous progress, improved confidence and a positive attitude.
Special Achievement Award
The Special Achievement Award celebrates sustained commitment by young people over a number of years.
Walk Tall Theatre Company – This group is incredibly dedicated and hard-working and members are inspiring role-models for others. They dedicate a lot of their free time to rehearsing and performing their educational and interactive theatre shows in schools, youth centres and at young people’s events across Kent. The young people are focussed, good humoured and enthusiastic. Their performances have been enjoyed by hundreds of young people. They also undertake training in peer education and many have already achieved a Level 2 BTEC in the subject.
