Parkwood Academy's celebration of a year of achievement and success was the finest ever.
Thursday 17th January saw over 300 guests attending the annual awards evening, including past and present students, staff, Governors and visitors. The evening was to present last year’s GCSE students with their certificates and to award prizes to students at the school.
Adar Ali, a former Parkwood student who now has a First Class degree from Sheffield Hallam University, was a guest speaker. In a short and inspiring speech, she described her climb up the ‘ladder of success.’ She commended Parkwood staff for being ‘supportive and dedicated’.
The guest of honour was Professor Paul White, the Pro Vice Chancellor of the University of Sheffield. He gave an entertaining and encouraging speech about his passion for learning despite confessing to being not very good at school, whether with lessons or sports or with the opposite sex.
Hasan Baki, who received an award for exceptional progress, was so inspired by the Professor’s speech that he made an announcement to all the guests giving, “a special thanks to all the staff but especially to Mr Reed for inspiring me and pushing me on.”
Parkwood students put on entertainment with performances of drumming, the ukulele group and the choir. Student Leaders, Ambassadors, House Captains and the Parent Forum received commendations for their contribution to the Academy. Feedback from parents was exceptionally positive. “Hats off to Parkwood, keep it up,” said one. Another commented, “The whole evening was a very successful event – well done to all involved”.