On Thursday 28 November, Walton Academy hosted its annual celebration of achievement, a night dedicated to honouring the outstanding accomplishments of the 2024 graduating class. With families, friends, and faculty gathered in support, the event reflected the dedication, talent, and character of students who have made their mark on the academy.
The evening highlighted a series of prestigious awards, each signifying a unique contribution to academic, personal, and community excellence.
One of the most cherished awards, the Carole Plummer Award for Endeavours in English, commemorates a former student’s love for the subject. This award celebrates resilience and exceptional growth in language and literature studies, often recognising individuals who have triumphed over challenges to achieve success. This year, the award was presented to Emily B.
The Sophie Lappin Cup for Contributions to the Community was another poignant moment of the evening. This award honours the memory of a remarkable student whose legacy is one of kindness and generosity. It serves as a reminder of the positive impact young people can have on their peers and community. This special recognition was awarded to Katie T.
In memory of Evelyn Gibson, the Evelyn Gibson Cup of Kindness celebrates the transformative power of compassion and empathy. Established as part of the Evelyn’s Butterfly Effect initiative, this award emphasises the importance of kindness within the Walton Academy community. This year, it was awarded to Flynn T.
The pinnacle of the evening was the presentation of the Buttery Cup for Outstanding Student of the Year. Sponsored by former Chair of Governors, Mr Brian Buttery, this award is a testament to excellence in both academic achievement and contributions to the school community. The 2024 recipient, Oliver M, epitomised these qualities.
Additional awards highlighted the diverse accomplishments of Walton Academy students. Four individuals received recognition for Outstanding Academic Achievement: Abigail F, Rebecca SL, John B, and Destiny O. Excellence awards were presented to Henry F and Charlie T, while Abigail D was celebrated for Outstanding Leadership Skills. The commitment and perseverance of Jiankai W, Cassidy A, Phenix-Belle B-H, and Oliver M earned them accolades for Outstanding Effort and Determination. Finally, the Courage award was presented to Dilan B, acknowledging exceptional bravery and resilience.
The evening’s atmosphere was enriched by exceptional musical performances, including captivating piano pieces by Mr David Warman and talented student Kailan H. Their performances provided a perfect backdrop for this celebration of excellence.
Distinguished guests added prestige to the occasion, with the presence of SKDC Chairman Cllr Paul Fellows and wife Judith. Mrs Karin Hardy represented the academy’s board of governors, while Chief Education Officer Mr Neil Holmes attended on behalf of Diverse Academies.
As the evening drew to a close, the Walton Academy community celebrated not just academic success, but also the values of resilience, kindness, and leadership. With these values at the forefront, the academy looks forward to another year of inspiring achievements.
