BRIGHT STAR AWARDS EVENING 2015
The second Bright Star Awards evening for young people in care in Year 11 and above and care leavers was held on the evening of Wednesday 24th June at the University of Bedfordshire. The awards are given to those young people who have made great achievements in their educational lives so far. Ninety young people were nominated by their social workers and education placements and approximately 40 young people attended to collect their awards.
Amongst the audience, who were there to congratulate the award winners, were the Mayor of Luton, Cllr Dave Taylor, The Corporate Director of Children & Learning, Sally Rowe, Cllr Andrew Malcolm, Alan Radford, the 16+ Team and the Virtual School for LAC.
The evening was hosted by three young people, Holly Ann Keany, Niron Williams and Raymond Williams, along with the Head of the Virtual School, Rosalind Paul, who expertly guided the audience through the event. Entertainment was provided by a dance trio from Luton Sixth Form College, an up and coming talented singer/songwriter/producer, Samara Barnett, and an inspiring new poet, Tychique Ciamala, who ‘only found he could write poetry in November 2014’ and wowed the audience with his emotional poem about ‘being in care’.
The guest of honour, Lemn Sissay, MBE, who is the author of several books of poetry, plays and articles, was the official poet for the London Olympics in 2012 and has recently been made Chancellor of the University of Manchester, gave a motivating speech to the audience along with a performance of one of his powerful poems. Lemn presented each young person with their trophy and certificate and gladly posed for unique photos with each of the award winners.
A care leaver, Jamila Harkin, who has recently completed her post graduate studies and is now aspiring to become a clinical psychologist, gave a short presentation regarding her life in care and beyond and the success she has achieved so far.
Representatives from the Young People’s Panel promoted the Pledge for children in care and care leavers and the newly formed Care Leavers Information Panel (CLIP) launched their new forum and highlighted how young people can seek advice, guidance and support with a range of topics, and how they can become involved to help others in a similar situation.
The evening was charged with emotion and pride and reflected the positive accomplishments of Luton’s young people –Luton Borough Council should be very proud Corporate Parents!