On Thursday 12th July, Longbenton High School celebrated the brilliant sporting achievements of their students with a bumper awards evening. The packed-out event was a celebration of the effort, attitude and excellence shown by Longbenton students, acknowledging the hard work displayed in a range of sports, from Year 7 right up to Year 13. The awards presented on the night, included: ‘GCSE PE’; ‘Most Improved’; ‘Individual Performance’; ‘Team of the Year’; ‘All Rounder’; ‘Respect’.
The PE Department thanked the coaches from the Rugby Football Union, Newcastle Thunder, Newcastle Eagles, Concordia Volleyball and Badminton England, who have worked with the students throughout the year. A special thank you was also made to all the staff in the school who have given up their time to help run clubs and arrange fixtures; they have worked tirelessly to support the development of PE and sport across the school this year.
The PE Department recognised the wonderful contributions staff had made to extra-curricular fixtures and the school’s Senior Leadership Team, who support all PE projects with energy and enthusiasm, placing great value on the impact sport has with students’ physical, mental and social development.
Longbenton High School were delighted that outstanding basketball coach Chris Applewhite, from the Newcastle Eagles Basketball Foundation, was able to present the awards and speak about what it takes to be a successful sportsperson; he is a wonderful role-model for the students to aspire to.
At the final part of the presentation evening, the school were able to celebrate the career of former LHS student Sarah Hunter. Sarah has already captained her country, won over 100 caps, received the World Rugby Player of the Year award, Sports Personality Team of the Year and win the World Cup.
“Sarah continues to strive to be the very best she can every day, a role model for staff and students alike. Sarah, on behalf of all the many colleagues you have worked with you and students you have inspired, may we take this opportunity to thank you genuinely for all you have achieved and continue to work for. You are a wonderful inspiration.
To mark Sarah's outstanding contribution to sport at Longbenton High School and beyond we wanted to create a legacy for future generations. We have named the Sports Personality of the Year award after Sarah.”
The winner of the inaugural Sarah Hunter Sports Personality of the Year Award was Year 10 student, Erin McIntosh. Included in Erin’s nomination was the following praise: “The winner of tonight’s award displays all of the values we promote in PE: resilience, determination, hard work, positivity, respect. The level of success and progress Erin has achieved in PE this year is testament to her qualities as an individual and her willingness to overcome challenges.”