Youngsters from across the county have been selected as winners of the third annual Suffolk Hope Awards, including Felixstowe's Evie Matthews.

Felixstowe Academy Key Stage three student Evie won the Diversity category for Years 7, 8 and 9.

The winners of the 2022/2023 awards were chosen by a panel of judges from Suffolk Police, Suffolk County Council and other partners.

The Suffolk Hope Awards, which are part of the annual Hate Crime Awareness campaign, value and promote diversity, acts of respect and kindness.

Judges were impressed by everyone nominated as they all showed excellent demonstrations of teamwork and determination.

This campaign is a reminder for us all that we do not accept Hate in Suffolk. The Constabulary's school liaison team discusses hate crime awareness, including how to identify and report hate crime and how to support those who are victims of it.

The winners came from each academic key stage group and are as follows:

Daniel Haddock (centre) with Chantry Academys Tommy Mosely and councillor Bobby Bennett (righT0 (Picture: Suffolk Police)

Key Stage 3 - Years 7, 8 and 9

Teamwork: Covid Memorial Garden project members Felicity Gilby (educated other than at school) and two other young people.

Respect and Kindness: Libby Bell (Copleston High School).

Diversity: Evie Matthews (Felixstowe Academy).

KS3 Winner and Highly Commended

Determination: Tarah Kejo (South Street Kids Saturday Club and Stoke High School).

 Key Stage 4 (years 10 and 11):

Teamwork: Daniel Haddock (Chantry Academy).

Respect & Kindness: Scarlett Webb (Hartismere School).

Diversity: RSHE GROUP - Harriet Loynes, Darcey Galloway O'Hare, Faith Rookyard (Hartismere High School).

Determination: Jack Rose (Chantry Academy).

 Sixth Form / College:

Diversity: 'Our Girls Where You At' Group: Ashanti Jackaman (Ormiston Academy), Grace Dersley, Maddi Clarke (Suffolk New College), Erin Lowe (Suffolk New College), Nahla Green (St Albans Catholic High School), Maddie Hasnip (Westbourne Academy), Amy Willis (Westbourne Academy), Maja Puchala (Westbourne Academy).

Teamwork: Copleston Dance Academy from Copleston High School: Maia Coleman, Polly Blackburn, Sapphire Dickens, Kloie Fountain, Abi Roper, Emily Roper, Megan Miss, Keira Harris, Ellie Warne, Chloe Bates, Hermione Simpson, Maisie Lincoln, Holly Long, Mia Hassler-Hurst, Laurel Meyer, Liv Forster, Katie Pryke, Kacey Webb, Maisy Southgate, Sienna Taylor.

 Hope Awards Overall Winner:

Daniel Haddock (Chantry Academy). Daniel is a leader in St John Ambulance, has helped to deliver CPR training in school, is working with other students to create resources to support students' mental health and wellbeing and is part of a group working on anti-racism.

The judges want a special mention for several young people, including Jack Rose and the Memorial Garden Group (including Felicity Gilby).

Thirteen schools took part in the 2022/2023 Suffolk Hope Awards.

Suffolk's Police and Crime Commissioner, Tim Passmore said: "Once again we saw an incredible group of young people who are going above and beyond in helping their communities. Their dedication and imagination inspire us all and I want to thank not only them but all the schools, colleges and community groups who took part. It was a privilege to be part of the judging panel."

Councillor Bobby Bennett, Suffolk County Council Cabinet Member for Equality and Communities and Chair of Suffolk's Safer Stronger Communities Board, said: "The Suffolk Hope Awards celebrate the positive contributions young people make daily to their communities. We have seen some truly amazing examples of compassion and respect demonstrated by young people across Suffolk this year.

"It gives me great pride to recognise these inspirational individuals through the Hope Awards and celebrate the contribution they make every day within our communities. Congratulations to everyone who was nominated."

The judging panel consisted of: Deputy Chief Constable Rob Jones, Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore, Suffolk County Councillor Bobby Bennett, and representatives from Ipswich and East Suffolk Community Safety Partnerships, Ipswich Town Football Club, Suffolk Football Association and See Your Life organisation.    

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