The positive contribution young people from Camden make to society has been recognised at the prestigious Jack Petchey Foundation (JPF) Achievement Awards.

Some 57 pupils from 10 Camden schools were honoured at the annual event, held at the Camden Centre on Wednesday, November 19.

The winners, aged 11 to 25, were all nominated by their peers and leaders for “doing their best” and received medallions, a framed certificate and a cheque for £200.

Now celebrating its 15th year, the Jack Petchey Foundation supports young people to achieve their potential and three adults who demonstrated an outstanding ability to motivate young people also won Leader Awards.

John Quilty, 16, from Swiss Cottage School, in Avenue Road, was among the pupils whose achievements were recognised.

Maisie Sammon, JPF co-ordinator at the school, said: “John is an amazing role model to others in the upper school. He is always kind and cares about the world and his environment. He is always looking out for others’ safety and he is brave to try new things, even when they are tricky.”

John donated his £200 grant to fund a restaurant meal for his classmates on a school trip to France.

Hampstead School pupil Neha Ahmed, 13, also received an award.

“All her teachers have commented on her fantastic academic results and how Neha applies herself in lessons,” JPF co-ordinator Glen Stevens said. “Her tutor says that Neha is one of the most thoughtful and positive students he has ever had the experience of teaching.

“She is a consistent credit to Hampstead School and her tutor group and he couldn’t be happier that she has been nominated as he believes she is someone who is going to be an important leader one day.”

Neha donated her £200 to buy materials for the school’s art department.

One of the three recipients of a Leader Award was Elaine Bissember, a lead learning mentor at Hampstead School who supports some of its most vulnerable pupils.

“The relationship that she is able to develop with all the students she has worked with is incredible,” said Mr Stevens. “It is without question that had it not been for Elaine’s interventions many of our current Year 11 students would not have succeeded in lessons and would not have achieved good GCSE exam results.”

VIPs attending the event included Ham&High editor-in-chief Geoff Martin and Mayor of Camden, Cllr Lazzaro Pietragnoli, who said: “Tonight has been a true demonstration of the commitment, enthusiasm and motivation from Camden’s young people.”

JPF has awarded £916,000 to youth organisations in Camden since funding started in 2004.

WINNERS

Acland Burghley School

Sarah Belabbes, Lilah Bloom, Alex Carmicahel, Max Greenhalgh, Yvonee Ong, Daniel Patten, Ugur Resat, Abdul Yusuf

Camden Centre for Learning

Doreen Kerr

Camden School for Girls

Racheal Allen, Lydia Harris, Nour Khalaf, Nadumba Lomodong, Mica Sami, Athena Theodotou

Haverstock School

Joao Cordeiro, Hiva Hosseini, Deborah Kalcheva, Verona Koliqi, George Walton

Hampstead School

Neha Ahmed, Mohammed Ammer, Jamal Riley, Muawer Wafa, Elaine Bissember (Leader Award)

La Sainte Union Catholic School

Rita Marie Grande, Lauren Hosier, Anna Krol, Katie Lane, Akleia Louis-Frederick, Viktoria Venkatess

Maria Fidelis School

Liya Aji, Megan Animashaun, Sumaya El Hamaki, Paris La-Shay Williams Thomas, Bhardha Llumnica, Lieslie Mawete, James Spencer

Parliament Hill School

Naima Ahmed, Naissa Essart Neilsen, Lauryn Robinson-Williams, Charlie Spence, Lola Turner, Ella White, Safiyah Yule

Swiss Cottage School

Lorelly Bedoya, Aseal Biomy, Ahon Nyuar, Andrew O’Leary, John Quilty, Joe West (Leader Award)

William Ellis School

James Bissell, Ivan D’Avoine, Maceo Joseph, Arber Konjuhi, Vince Magsino, Yahya Maslah, Aaron McGuire, John Murray, Chelsea Pompadur (Leader Award)