Bishop Auckland Town Council’s Youth Awards is designed to give recognition to outstanding young people in Bishop Auckland and this year, students at King James I Academy won five awards. Winners were invited to attend a red-carpet event at Bishop Auckland Town Hall, with over 100 dignitaries and guests in attendance on the evening.
The Academy’s Year 10 Mental Health & Wellbeing group received the ‘Biggest Impact Award’ in recognition of their pro-active approach to supporting initiatives that promote positive wellbeing across the school. Over the past couple of years, the group has planned and delivered a series of campaigns and events in school to reach out to the wider student population. These events have been extremely successful in raising awareness and in turn, promoting strategies to support positive mental health and wellbeing.
Bradley Hughes won the ‘Above and Beyond Award’ for his achievement in football. Bradley represented the Academy for five years, alongside the Bishop Auckland District and local grassroots teams including Escombe Youth FC and Newton Aycliffe Youth FC. His attitude and desire to achieve in his football has always set him aside from his peers and he was rewarded for this in 2023 when he signed for Tow Law Town FC, a senior semi-professional football team who play in The Northern League Division 1. For Bradley to be involved at such a high level is a real testament to his hard work and dedication.
Now studying a Degree in Archeology and Anthropology at Oxford University, Hannah Stewart received the ‘Wow Award’. Very few students from the North East of England achieve a place at Oxford but Hannah worked tirelessly to break the mold and realise her ambitions at this world renowned institution.
Another Sixth Former, Adam Vacher received the ‘Inspirational Young Person Award’. He was nominated for his initiative in successfully running ‘The Kings Feast’, an outdoor food hub which benefits the whole student body by providing them with an alternative outlet for refreshments.
Finally, young footballer, Layla Vickers in Year 9 received the ‘Nic Cooper Award’ for her achievement on the pitch. Layla dreams of becoming a Lioness and she is well on track following two seasons playing for Sunderland Women’s Under 14s and attendance at no less than five invite-only England Talent Camps.
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
