Paralympic gold medallist inspires Croxteth students at annual awards ceremony

British skier, sighted guide and Paralympian, Charlotte Evans, joined St John Bosco Arts College for the Croxteth school’s annual awards celebration.

Charlotte, who won gold in the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympic Games alongside Kelly Gallagher, shared an inspiring speech about overcoming challenges in the face of adversary.

Charlotte said: “I was incredibly honoured to be invited to speak at St John Bosco’s annual awards celebration, recognising its students for their continued hard work. 

“It is so important that we prepare our young people for the challenges that lie ahead, whether personally, emotionally or professionally. We all face adversaries in our lives, but it is how we adapt and ultimately, overcome those challenges, that mould us into the people we are. 

“A massive congratulations to all the students who received awards for their dedication to their studies.”

Charlotte, who originally hails from Kent, began skiing at a young age before becoming the English champion and part of the England Alpine Ski Team at the age of 18. Charlotte was keen to share her experiences as a successful female athlete in the sporting industry with the next generation.

The annual event celebrated the achievements of students across the school. Key Stage 4 students accepted subject prizes for maths, science, English, and more, with students receiving recognition for their hard work, commitment, and achievements in a specific subject area.

Prizes for effort and achievement were awarded to students across all year groups. The effort and achievement awards celebrate the students who invested significant time and passion into their studies.

For those who completed GCSE and A-levels during the 2022/23 academic year, it was a chance to receive their certificates, which will undoubtedly serve as a memento of their accomplishments and time at St John Bosco.

Throughout the awards ceremony, staff, students and parents were treated to several incredible student performances. 

The cast of the school’s production of Sister Act delivered a stellar performance to the musical sounds of the West End soundtrack.

The choir took to the stage to perform the noughties hit ‘Unwritten’ by Natasha Bedingfield and the Bosco song.

The school’s band delivered an exceptional cover of Coldplay, Viva La Vida. 

The heart-warming afternoon was closed by students, staff, and attendees, who joined together for the school hymn. 

Darren Gidman, headteacher at St John Bosco Arts College, said: “Our school community is built on nurturing and celebrating the dreams and talents of our students, in the spirit of St John Bosco.

“As another year ends, it is an opportunity to reflect on a fantastic year at St John Bosco. There have been so many outstanding achievements, and each one deserves recognition. The awards celebration is our chance to unite and share in each other’s success.

“A massive thank you to our Bosco community, from students, staff, and parents, you are the beating heart of our school, and I look forward to another year filled with joy and success.”