Back to school for Kidderminster Mayor as students celebrate success
Kidderminster’s youngest ever mayor returned to his former school to hand out awards at the annual Celebration of Success.
Councillor George Connolly, who became the town’s mayor last May, aged just 27, was guest of honour at the Baxter College event and handed out certificates and trophies to scores of successful students.
He said: “It was great to be back at Baxter College 11 years after I left the school and seeing so many familiar faces.
“Baxter College offered me the foundations to build upon and become the youngest Mayor of Kidderminster ever.
“Seeing the next generation of students succeed from the school is particularly heart-warming and I wish them the very best as they embark on their next journey. I'm sure they'll all be successful in whatever they go into in the near future.”
GCSE, A-level and BTEC certificates were handed out to students who sat their exams this summer and special awards went to the top achievers in all subjects.
With four A-levels under her belt Nikola Lorenc earned the overall Achievement Award for “consistently demonstrating a strong work ethic and a dedication to academic excellence”.
The Jak Crump Award for Achieving Against the Odds was presented to Georgina Maiden, who has worked “tirelessly” to achieve her potential, and whose “dedication and determination to make a difference not only to her own results but for the school community is second to none”.
The Governor Endeavour Award went to Year 12 student Rebecca Philpotts for demonstrating the values of Baxter College, with “exemplary” attendance, an “excellent” work ethic and as valued member of the community.
The Lady Eddy Award for Outstanding Service went to a teacher of more than 20 years who had made an “incredible impact” on staff and students since joining the team in 2019.
Assistant principal and English teacher Richard Lindo, who is retiring from teaching, was described as “always positive, inspirational, patient and unflappable, whose lessons were often described as “magic”.
The Attendance Award was presented to Cole Graham. The Dave Seddon Award for Sporting Excellence went to Nick Deeley and Millie Newnham received the Contribution to Sports Award.
Silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh certificates were presented and head students Emily Bloor, Tom Gallacher, Katie Gilbert, Jamie Johnson and Monique Singh received awards.
Principal’s Awards went to Year 7 Austin Humphries, Year 8 Meredith Morris, Year 10 Libby Breakwell, Year 11 Isaac Cluley and Year 12 Harry Gardiner.
Katie Beech, headteacher, said: “We are all so proud of what our students have achieved and the firm foundation they have received at Baxter College to succeed and enjoy brilliant lives. We wish them all the very best for the future.”
