Thurrock young people are great citizens

11:06am Sunday 11th May 2008

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YOUNGSTERS from Thurrock were among many who were rewarded for good citizenship at a ceremony at Brentwood Cathedral.

The event was the regional ceremony for the 2008 Catholic Schools Citizenship Awards. Forty-three schools were involved in the initiative, which was launched in 2002 by Professor Lord Alton of Liverpool, a former pupil of the Brentwood diocese and Director of The Foundation for Citizenship at Liverpool John Moore University.

It is part of a nationwide scheme designed to encourage children to think about being good citizens.

Pupils from 14 secondary and 29 primary schools across Essex and East London received a bronze carved citizenship award from the Rt Rev Thomas McMahon, Bishop of Brentwood.

They were nominated by their peer groups and class teachers for their commitment to helping others and their contribution to the school community.

In his homily, Bishop Thomas referred to the advent of the GP's well-note' as opposed to the sick-note'.

He said the well-note concentrates on what is actually possible rather than what is not, adding: "I know many people from previous ceremonies whose special needs or circumstances have prevented them from doing what they have wanted to do in their lives but they have continued to think of others, nurturing good relations around them or by sheer courage giving wonderful inspiration to others.

"Part of their secret is their refusal to write anybody off, insisting on looking for good in the unlikeliest of characters."

Among those receiving awards was Thomas O'Prey from Holy Cross Primary School, South Ockendon. His nomination from the school read: Despite many challenges encountered during the past year, Thomas has put these difficulties to one side, offering support for anyone else who needed him.

"He is a wonderful role model, and he has represented the school in all major sports, demonstrating commitment and success in all that he has attempted."

Esther Oluwasumioha Onifade is from St Joseph's Primary School, Stanford-le-Hope. Her school said: "Esther displays wonderful traits of kindness and thoughtfulness in her relationships in school, in addition to how she cares for her younger siblings.

"She shows great dedication to her academic work, even when facing difficulties."

Her award was sponsored by Petroplus.

Jessica Haydon and Cassie Moore, both Year Eight pupils from Grays Convent, were nominated as representatives of form 7.23 who have raised £365 for children's charities so far this year.

The class have sold toys and sweets, designed their own Easter and Christmas cards, raffled a giant Easter egg and held a sponsored silence.