Headteacher’s values award winner: Will Arnold and Unity Shrimpton

The Headteacher’s Values Award was presented to Will Arnold, Year 11, and Unity Shrimpton, Year 13. Will and Unity were nominated Miss Dunwoodie and Mrs Lundberg, who wrote; “We would like to jointly nominate Will and Unity who have independently organised highly successful fundraising efforts to raise money for the Great North Air Ambulance Service in memory of Mr Clark.

Unity, a talented musician and singer, came up with the wonderful idea of performing some of Mr Clark’s favourite songs. In just two weeks, Unity learned twelve songs by heart and stuck to a full timetable of daily busking during the last week of October and the first week of November. Undeterred by the torrential rain and heavy winds of the half-term break, when others would have given up, Unity took shelter under a canopy in the marketplace, determined to carry on. She embodied so many of the school’s values, not only independence but unfaltering resilience too.  Having listened to her singing, her performance was rich in creativity and excellence. After singing for over 20 hours Unity has raised £432.

The aim of Will’s inclusive event, a ‘walk, run and cycle’ challenge, was to encourage as many as people as possible to take part in an outdoor activity, whilst enjoying our beautiful countryside –  something that Mr Clark loved about the Richmond and Dales area.

Displaying great independence, Will not only set up a gofundme page, but created a presentation to be shown to students during tutor time. He demonstrated creativity by thinking of other ways to reach a wider audience with his project, and spoke to the Dales Bike Centre to support his project and share his news on their facebook page.  He also produced a fabulous go-pro video of his 21-mile mountain bike trail in Swaledale and Arkengarthdale. What really stands out though, is the respect and consideration that Will has shown for everyone by making this event suitable for all abilities so it is as inclusive as possible.  Many people donated and took part in the event and Will has raised £1,200.

Both students did all of this on their own initiative and are so very humble about what they have achieved. They have really impressed us with their organisational skills and having the confidence to make their ideas a reality.  They should both be very proud of themselves and how they have supported the Great North Air Ambulance in memory of a truly great man.