Winners announced at the Pride in our People 2010 Awards
A spectacular awards ceremony announced the winners of the EC1 Pride in our People last night (Wednesday 12 May).
Set within the magnificent LSO St Luke's on Old Street, the gala evening was hosted by BBC journalist and Islington resident, Kate Silverton.
Matthew Humphreys, Chair of the EC1 New Deal for Communities Board said:
"It was an honour to spend the evening with such remarkable people. All of our finalists do what they do without want of recognition and that's what the EC1 Pride in our People Awards are all about - saying thank you to those unsung heroes who understand the true meaning of community spirit."
LSO St Luke’s was bursting with pride for our local heroes as the winners were announced:
• Rakhia Ismail – EC1 Teacher Person of the Year, who runs an after-school sewing class for young people interested in fashion and design
• Sami Gherezgher – EC1 Young Person of the Year, who organises fundraising activities and events to showcase the skills of local young performers
• St Luke’s Parochial Trust – EC1 Team of the Year, which has transformed the St Luke’s Centre on Central Street over recent years to provide an array of services for local people of all ages including an internet cafe, arts and crafts lessons and an advice shop
• Lovells LLP – EC1 Local Business of the Year, for its support to organisations in the EC1 area including advice and training to traders on Whitecross Street and setting up a debate club at St Luke’s Primary school, encouraging children to make their voices and opinions heard
• Julie Potton – EC1 Good Neighbour of the Year, who has helped her friend Cheryl Amin-Coles through difficult times, and looks out for neighbours on her estate
• Liz Smithson – EC1 Volunteer of the Year, who has served over 10 years as governor at Moreland Primary School, is the secretary of her local tenants association and has successfully arranged for Arsenal Positive Future Scheme to run activities on King Square estate
• Mary Caven has won the Jack Sheehan EC1 Lifetime Achievement award for her 27 years as head teacher at Prior Weston School. The school is known for its vibrant, fun and caring atmosphere and this reputation is a credit to Mary’s work.
All the finalists, their guests and the people who nominated them enjoyed a glittering evening with a gourmet three-course meal and entertainment from talented local singers, musicians and dancers.
The evening marked the pinnacle of the three-month award process which saw more than 100 nominations across the seven categories.
The awards were organised and funded by EC1 New Deal for Communities with support from sponsors: Islington Police, Voluntary Action Islington, CEA@Islington, Renaisi and Lovells LLP.
The closing date for nominations was Wednesday 31 March 2010. The finalists in each category were chosen by three separate judging panels. A new panel of judges met to decide the winners on 3 May.