Outstanding pupils recognised at awards ceremony

Two North Manchester teenagers have scooped a top educational award for their inspirational and caring work with fellow pupils.

Jessica Hatton and Hannah Donoghue, both 16, from Plant Hill Arts College in Blackley, will receive recognition at Manchester City Council's ninth 'Manchester Educational Awards' tomorrow at the Town Hall.

Pupils are nominated by their schools for demonstrating excellence in some aspect of school life and for their cooperation, continuous effort and motivation.

Best friends Jessica and Hannah have played a key role in school life and have been instrumental in ensuring that new Year 7 pupils make the transition to high school in a smooth and trouble free way.

They are both prefects and have set up various initiatives and events to make school life more enjoyable for other students.

One of their ideas was to raise money for a reward scheme for pupils with low self-esteem and who needed motivation to attend school.

They also developed presentations and workshops for younger pupils looking at issues such as bullying and attendance.

And to celebrate Valentine's Day this year, the enthusiastic pair carried out a school wide questionnaire ascertaining exactly what kind of event their fellow students would like to attend. They then hosted an extremely successful dance that included craft activities, games, arts and a staff 'rock band' performance.

On top of all their outstanding extra curriculum work, both youngsters are on the schools gifted and talented list, are expected to achieve top grades in their GCSEs and have been offered places at a university summer school.

The talented pair both hope to become doctors in the future.

Headteacher John Pemberton says: "Both Hannah and Jessica are an absolute credit to the school. They have proved truly inspirational role models to younger pupils and made a significant and positive impact on many students' lives. I am certain they will both go on to great things in the future."

Councillor Sheila Newman, Manchester City Council's Executive Member for Children's Services says: "All of the pupils nominated for the Manchester Educational Awards should feel extremely proud of their achievements. Jessica and Hannah are well deserving of their awards and are an inspiration not only to their school, but to their families and community as a whole."

Hannah and Jessica will be receiving their awards as part of the city council's year long 'Proud Of' campaign which encourages residents to take pride in themselves and their community.

Twenty seven of Manchester's most outstanding school pupils will be honoured at the awards ceremony.

Other pupils nominated for an award are:

Yasser Kalombo, 16, from Burnage Media Arts College

Ben Zoezee, 16, from Burnage Media Arts College

Yazmin West, 16, from Lancasterian School, West Didsbury

Hoda Suleiman, 15, from Lancasterian School, West Didsbury

Aaron Broughton from Manchester Hospital School and Home Teaching Service

Richard Rowe from Newall Green High School, Wythenshawe

Ashley Gommersall from Newall Green High School, Wythenshawe

Ryan Bradley, 16, from North Ridge High School, Higher Blackley

Wayne Donohue, 13, from Piper Hill High School, Northenden

Richard Walker, 14, from Southern Cross School, Chorlton-cum-Hardy

Marie-Alice Umuhoza, 15, from St Paul's Catholic High School, Wythenshawe

Curtis Massey, 16, from St Paul's Catholic High School, Wythenshawe

Crystal Quist, 16, from Wright Robinson College, Gorton

Chelsea McCluskey, 15, from Wright Robinson College, Gorton