GLENDINNING ACADEMY - THE HELEN FOUNDATION AWARD GOES TO ROMANIE WARD

We know how much people enjoyed last month’s account of the two students at Teignmouth Community College who had won The Helen Foundation Award last term. Here’s another award made at the end of the summer.

Hearing about the young people who receive the THF Award always has a special significance for us. One young person in a Teignbridge special school was completely surprised and delighted by the presentation of the THF Award to her. Her citation read:

“This year, the award will be given to the student who shows tenacity and dedication to her art, even on days she may be struggling. She has a passion for art that shines through in the work she does both during lesson time and at home. It is a pleasure to watch her grow in ability and confidence, and we are looking forward to watching her progress through her GCSE. Every time Romanie sings, people just stop and stare because everyone knows they are witnessing something truly special. This year alone, she helped us achieve something we’d never done before - our very first school musical. At the very heart of it was this student, leading with courage, energy and brilliance. It has been an absolute privilege to watch Romanie grow in confidence, light up the stage and bring so much joy to those around her. I only hope she believes in herself as much as we believe in her.”

THF Trustees watched Romanie in the school summer performance of Wind in the Willows.  Rushing onto the stage in her excitement following the announcement of the Award at the end of the show, 

Romanie was so delighted to be recognised, as demonstrated by prolonged applause and shouts by her peers, her teachers and parents, for special gifts that many others acknowledged, but about which she herself was so uncertain.  

The power of the arts!