Five Kettering students scoop top awards

Congratulations!
Clockwise, from top left: Dinglian Chen, Conor Napier, Alfredo Brown, Owen Wilson and Matthew Walton.Clockwise, from top left: Dinglian Chen, Conor Napier, Alfredo Brown, Owen Wilson and Matthew Walton.
Clockwise, from top left: Dinglian Chen, Conor Napier, Alfredo Brown, Owen Wilson and Matthew Walton.

Five Kettering Buccleuch Academy students are celebrating after winning an academy trust's national awards.

The pupils at the Weekley Glebe Road school were all announced as winners at United Learning's Best in Everyone awards, which recognise the achievements of students and staff across the country.

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They include awards for academic excellence, extracurricular achievements and service to school communities and recognise some of the group’s most dedicated, hard-working and inspirational individuals.

This year's ceremony took place virtually because of the Covid-19 crisis, with each winner announced in a Twitter video with a personalised message from their headteacher or the member of staff who nominated them.

Kettering Buccleuch Academy's winners were: Matthew Walton who won the Geography Award, Owen Wilson who won the Science Award for Years 10 to 13, Alfredo Brown who won the Young Hero of the Year Award for Years 7 to 9, Conor Napier who won the Sportsman of the Year Award for Years 10 to 13 and Dinglian Chen who won Pupil of the Year Award for Years 10 to 13.

Matthew and Owen took home their awards for Geography and Science respectively for the unwavering commitment they show to their subjects. They both complete extensive reading outside of the classroom and go above and beyond what is expected of them.

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Matthew said: “I am very pleased to win this award. I would like to thank Miss Green for nominating me and all the staff who have helped me through my geography journey whilst at KBA.”

Alfredo, who has profound deafness, was named Young Hero of the Year for his ongoing determination to succeed in all that he does and for inspiring others with his infectious can-do attitude.

Conor was named Sportsman of the Year for the perseverance he has shown in the face of difficulty and the strong progress he has made on the rugby field, having recently being selected to join the Scotland Greens Squad camp.

KBA’s fifth and final award was won by Dinglian Chen who took home the coveted Pupil of the Year. The school said Dinglian has shown herself to be a driven and resilient student who, despite significant personal obstacles, shines and achieves highly in all of her A-Level subjects, especially law.

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Dinglian said: “I am extremely grateful for all the help I have received from the school.

"Without the school's help, I wouldn't have got to where I am now. I also want to thank Miss Rao for nominating me, and all the help the sixth form team has been giving me.”

Congratulating the winners Dino Di Salvo, Principal of Kettering Buccleuch Academy, said: “Congratulations to all five of our Best in Everyone award winners.

"From awards commending inspiring individuals to students’ success in their academic learning and sport, it is fantastic to see our young people gain national recognition across such a wide range of areas.

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"It is testament to their hard work and dedication, as well as our brilliant team of staff, that our students are able to nurture their talents and achieve so highly.

"All of us at KBA are extremely proud of each and every one of our winners and hope that they are taking the time to celebrate their well-deserved wins.”

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