Schools traditionally have award ceremonies at this time of year, and trustees of The Helen Foundation were delighted to present the awards, for the young person who has shown best endeavour in the arts, at Dawlish College and Newton Abbott College.
Oliver Copper at Dawlish College
Oliver's citation from his art tutor reads: "Oliver has really matured as an actor and multi-instrumentalist.
Over the last five years, I have seen him develop musically and he has a newfound confidence in his ability. He was never happy with settling for second best and always strives to improve, constantly asking what the next step should be.
His level of performances in drama is just stunning, with an empathy for the other performers which brings out the best in whoever he works with.
"Following Oliver’s Award, Oliver’s mother wrote: "Oliver was born the year you launched the foundation and has benefitted through it at Kenton Primary and at Dawlish and has helped to raise funds at the DC 24 hour concert. We were aware of your loss and the beautiful way you chose to honour Helen’s memory from very early on, and we have seen you at many events that my children have loved dancing at or showing off things they have made or performing.
Helen has touched their lives in a fantastic way and we are honoured that Oliver has received this coveted award. It means so much to a very creative young man.
Thank you for all that you do."
Owen Milton at Newton Abbot College
Newton Abbot College hosts a prestigious and well-organised Arts Awards evening each year at the Torquay International Centre.
Featuring performances and exhibitions of all the art forms, the event showcases the impressive achievements of young people at the college, which holds Gold Arts Mark status.
This year’s winner of The Helen Foundation Award at the college is Owen Milton and the citation reads: “This student has thrown themselves into the Arts since their first day at Newton Abbot College.
He is committed, talented and above all a wonderful presence in and out of the classroom….He is a talented musician, singer, dancer and actor and has performed solo many time as well as part of a group."
Owen himself writes: “I am so so happy with this award and cannot believe I have gotten it. To be chosen out of all the year 11’s and 12’s is an amazing feeling. I have always enjoyed being around the arts departments and couldn’t thank them enough for choosing me, as it means so much."