Highfields’ sporting talent was honoured during a glittering awards ceremony, attended by inspirational Paralympic GB footballer Jack Rutter.
The school hosted its third PE Legacy Awards to celebrate the efforts and achievements of the school’s sporty students over the past academic year.
There was a total of 165 student nominations in 28 different categories on the night, including Captain/Leadership, Coaching, Effort, Attitude and Most Improved. Awards were also given out for Sports Person of the Year in each year group, as well as Dancer of the Year (for KS3 and KS4) and a Sixth Form Contribution Award. The awards were brought to a close in front of a sell-out crowd with the award for Sports Team of the Year, which went to the school’s Swim Squad.
Audience members were entertained with dance performances throughout the evening, whilst guest speaker, Jack Rutter, inspired the crowd with a motivational speech about overcoming adversity to succeed in sport. Having first been inspired to be a professional footballer by watching Eric Cantona on TV, Jack was signed to Birmingham City FC at the age of 18 and was on the verge of signing as a professional when he was knocked to the ground and suffered brain damage as a consequence. The incident forced his retirement from professional football in 2010.
A visit to the Headway charity in 2012 led to his discovery of football seven-a-side and Jack was inspired to get more involved after watching the London 2012 Paralympics. In acknowledgement of his leadership skills, Jack captained the England team at the 2014 CPISRA European Championships in Maia, Portugal where the team finished in 5th place. The following year, he led the England team to a 5th place finish which resulted in their qualification for Rio 2016. On his Paralympic debut Jack helped the Paralympics GB side to secure a fifth-place finish.
PE teacher, Ms L Stevenson, who organised the Legacy Awards event, said: “We are overwhelmed with superb commitment, strong leadership and outstanding personal performances at Highfields. We were delighted to stage our third PE Legacy Awards to celebrate students’ achievements, efforts and commitment to sport. It was another fantastic evening that ended the school term on a high. Congratulations to all of our nominees and students who won awards.”
Big winners on the night included Tilly McKenna-Fraser, Josh Climo, Sam Hipgrave, Georgia Derrick and Alice Gunning who each won the Sports Person of the Year award for their year group.
Watch: Our students leaving their legacy:
