Jamie Jones-Buchanan and MP Fabian Hamilton were among the special guests celebrating the achievements of Carr Manor Community School pupils.
In a special afternoon dedicated to rewarding children who have excelled in the school community, awards were handed out and guest speakers talked of how important it is to commemorate success in school.
With certificates and trophies for subjects, character for learning, contributions to coaching and the community, work experience, and attendance, in addition to the prestigious Akram Khammo Award for achievement in the face of adversity and the Governors’ Award, the awards celebrated the diversity of achievement at Carr Manor.
Executive principal Simon Flowers said: “The children and staff at our school work incredibly hard throughout the year and it was a privilege to share and celebrate their success with families and the wider community.
“The awards ceremony particularly recognised strength of character that all of our children, from reception on wards, routinely display and we are all very proud of their achievements.”
Principal Jane Emmett added: “The presentation afternoon at Carr Manor is the culmination of a very special year.
“We are really proud of all the children who come to our school and they all have a lot to contribute to our community, but this afternoon is about celebrating some special achievements.”
Jamie Jones-Buchanan spoke about his experiences in the world of rugby and said the values the pupils are already displaying will be invaluable to them in the future.
“These young people are becoming the next new citizens of Leeds and making my home town even better,” he said.
“There is nothing special about me or where I grew up, but because I had an opportunity to fulfil my potential I have been able to go on a really good journey and win some medals.
“You have got to be you, when you realise what your special talent is you have to ask what you are going to do with it, and be consistently resilient.”
Performances by children across the school opened and closed the presentation afternoon.
The school’s younger children sang about their relationships in class, and a group of three former pupils, collectively called Mythical Onez, performed a freestyle dance.
The MP for Leeds North East, Fabian Hamilton, paid tribute to the teachers and pupils at Carr Manor, and said their efforts have made the school one of the very best.
He said: “They say the quality of teachers has a profound effect on the future of the pupils they teach and if that is the case then there is no doubt the pupils of Carr Manor Community School are going to have a very bright future indeed.
“At the presentation afternoon we saw the best of the best and this school is one of the best in the city. It always has been and it becomes better and better as the years go by.
“A big thank you goes to the pupils for the commitment they have shown. I know they’re going to be a great success in whatever careers they choose. I am so proud of this school.”