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A Derby student is mapping out success on and off the pitch after receiving awards for geography and sport.

A Derby student is mapping out success on and off the pitch after receiving awards for geography and sport.

Murray Park student, Bolu Shofowoke, has impressed both his teachers at the school with his geography skills and the trainers at Peterborough United Football Club, where he plays for the under 16 and under 18 teams.

Bolu was honoured with the Sports Achiever and Geography awards at the Murray Park awards ceremony, hosted at Pride Park, where students are recognised for a variety of achievements.

Peterborough United has been so impressed by his hard work and talent that they have already offered him a scholarship for when he leaves school.

His father, Tunde Shofowoke, proudly said:

“He certainly keeps me busy, but he is worth it. Tonight’s recognition demonstrates that.

“He gives 100% to everything he does and even manages to complete his schoolwork during the journeys to and from his training and games at Peterborough.

 “His determination and dedication make me incredibly proud.”

Among the other 100 winners at the ceremony was Harley Maggio, 15, who received the Headteacher’s Pride Award and the Sports Achiever Award for his remarkable dedication to his schoolwork and his outstanding achievement of placing third in the national Judo British School Open Championships.

His dad Lee said:

“I am so proud of the effort he puts in, he’s finally starting to get the recognition he deserves.”

The pupils wore a mortar board and graduation gown for the event as their proud parents watched on. Some of the young people walked away with more than one award.

Proud parents Kate and George Bennett took home a whopping four awards, between their year 7 twins, Esme and Ava Bennett.

Esme received awards in English and modern foreign languages and both her and Ava received accolades after becoming finalists at the Big Bang Science competition through their STEM Science club at Murray Park.

Esme said:

“I’ve wanted to be a part of this evening ever since I heard about it when I first started at the school, I never expected to win three awards.”

Their mother Kate said:

“It was such a nice thing for the school to do, it’s great to see their hard work celebrated. The school goes above and beyond and celebrates the girl’s achievements as much as we do.”

Mandy Evans, education specialist at Toyota in Burnaston, who works closely with the school in a partnership programme handed out awards to pupils for their personal development and delivered a speech.

The programme offers students support in their academic studies, while also developing essential employability skills and providing opportunities for meaningful work experience placements at the Burnaston plant.

Mandy was particularly impressed with Eleanor Rutter a year 9 student who received an award in recognition for her outstanding achievements during her work experience.

She said:

“Eleanor has impressed not only me but also the team at Derby County Community Trust after completing work experience with us both. When she came to us at Toyota, she was the only girl with 15 boys, but it didn’t faze her at all.

“She showed incredible leadership skills and we were impressed with how she faced a daunting male environment with such confidence and determination.”

Eleanor said:

“I loved both of the work experience placements as I am so passionate about journalism and engineering. One day I hope to combine the two and work at McLaren in their media department.”

Organiser Theresa Lucas said:

“The school staff nominated these students for their exceptional efforts. It’s a great accomplishment, and we are incredibly proud of all they have achieved.”

Headteacher Nicola Caley said:

“I'm incredibly proud of our students, who have demonstrated remarkable dedication and achievement this year. It's wonderful to see them recognised for their hard work and talent.

"This marks our second year hosting these awards, and I'm delighted by the positive feedback they've received. Last year's event was a huge success, and I'm excited to build on that momentum as we look forward to next year."


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