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Children in Care Celebrate Educational Achievement
Annual Awards Ceremony and Dinner for Children in Care in Gloucestershire
Thirty care leavers and children in care from across Gloucestershire celebrated their educational achievements at a special ceremony in the county on the 21st November 2007.
Each young person was presented with a certificate and a cash award to celebrate their success in GCSEs, AS and A Levels, vocational qualifications and degrees. The awards, wholly sponsored by The Peter Lang Children's Trust, were presented by Rob Rees MBE, The Cotswold Chef.
Two young people were presented with Star Awards for their exceptional achievements in education. Vicky Holder, 19, has just started her Law degree at UWE in Bristol. Edith Kaze, 21, has just graduated with a degree in Law and is now studying for her Masters in Human Rights Law at the University of Leicester.
Edith said: "I feel very privileged and honoured to get this award. It makes me realise how far I have come and how much I have achieved.
"I would tell other young people to persevere, stay focused and have a goal. Don't let anyone put you down or discourage you."
Vicky said: "My teachers at Gloucestershire College were brilliant. I wouldn't have got to University without them."
Among those congratulating all the award winners were Margaret Tait of The Peter Lang Children's Trust, Cllr Mavis Lady Dunrossil, Chairman of Gloucestershire County Council, and Cllr Paul McLain, Cabinet Member for Young People at Gloucestershire County Council.
Cllr Paul Mclain, Cabinet Member for Children & Young People, said: "Gloucestershire should be proud of what the Young People are achieving. It was inspiring to hear some of their stories last night, The challenge for the council now is to ensure that all our children in care are helped and encouraged to reach their full potential."
The ceremony took place at Gloucestershire College's Renaissance Restaurant and was compered by Joe Lemer of Severn Sound.