Stewards Academy held its annual Presentation of Awards Evening in April 2025. The evening was an opportunity to celebrate the successes of over 100 young people from Years 7-11. With a packed hall full of prize winners, parents/ carers, and special guests the evening highlighted the progress students had made during the year.

Heads of House nominated students from Years 7-10 for COURAGE awards recognising achievements in the school values of Confidence, Opportunity, Unity, Resilience, Appreciation, Generosity, Enjoyment. For Year 11, each subject had two prize winners, one for academic excellence and one for academic progress. There were also a number of COURAGE award recipients including those for 100% attendance over five years, commitment to performing arts and sports, recognition of the number of subjects they had been nominated for. Our final award of the evening was in honour of a former Chair of Governors, Gordon Hewlett. This award was presented for citizenship to one of our students.

The evening was hosted by senior students with speeches by Stephen Drew, Headteacher, and guest speaker Marie Erwood MBE.

Marie Erwood, former deputy headteacher of Stewards Academy and current governor, spoke of role models and the importance of following the right people. It was an inspiring speech and touched the hearts of those listening.

Certificates and prizes were presented by our Chair of Governors, Tess Miller and supported by Jo Bartlett.

Awards were interspersed by some of our talented musicians including year 10 students, Hayden Lawless, Ivana Miksovic, Lara Miksovic and Ambra-Otilia Popa, and our wonderful year 11s Lena Cichonczyk and Grace Dell.

Mrs da Vighi, event organiser, said: “I am grateful to everyone who helped make this evening so wonderful. Lots of work has gone on behind the scenes to prepare for the event and make it special for our young people and their guests. It is always one of the highlights of the year and next year will be an even bigger event in the autumn term. My thanks to Michael Casey who came along in support and filmed the event for us, the film is in our YourHarlow channel.”