Golden evening for Weald students
On Thursday 13 July 700 students, proud parents and esteemed guests from the community all gathered to celebrate another outstanding year at The Weald School’s annual Gold Awards ceremony. Students at The Weald excel in a wide range of skills throughout the year and this annual event recognises exceptional successes for effort, progress, and wider contribution to the school. Students should feel very proud of their achievements.
Guests were welcomed by buskers and student helpers in front reception who then directed them to the reception in the School Hall. During the reception, guests could mingle, enjoy refreshments and observe art work produced by talented Weald students. Music was also played by students to entertain guests.
Guest speaker, Joe Cummiskey, added a motivational and energetic address which echoed the school’s ethos of positive commitment and engagement. It was clear that Joe made a difference to all in the room. A large number of students left inspired, not only by their magnificent achievements, but by Joe’s infectious ‘can-do, believe in yourself’ attitude.
Joe Cummiskey is the Founder/Director of the organisation ‘Uganda Hands for Hope’, supporting vulnerable children and their families living in Uganda. Joe and his team provide support to over 350 children and their families in education, health and social care. Their mission is to alleviate extreme poverty and facilitate lasting change in the lives of the most vulnerable children and families living in urban slums in Uganda. Joe inspired Weald students during his speech by saying, ‘you are only given one life, so follow the path that makes you happy’, and then went on to congratulate students on their achievements.
All who attended left the evening on a high and felt proud to be part of The Weald community.