Young people from schools across Harrow have been recognised for their outstanding academic and charitable achievements at a Jack Petchey Foundation awards ceremony.

The annual Achievement Awards, held this year at Watersmeet, Rickmansworth, honoured the efforts of 90 students across 12 senior schools and colleges in the borough.

The winners, aged 11 to 25, included young carers, pupils who had set up language classes for their teachers and classmates and many more who had shown a kind and generous spirit in their school and by volunteering for charities.

Mornish Verma, 13, from Shaftesbury High School, was recognised for his commitment to making progress with his speech and learning.

He was given an electric wheelchair, which he has learnt how to drive and is enjoying his new found independence and making new friends.

JPF coordinator Janet Pederson said: “This is a massive achievement for this young man who has numerous difficulties to overcome.”

With the grant award Mornish took a trip in to the city centre and a river tour for the first time.

Samy Benafari, 15, from Hatch End High School, ran an introductory Arabic class for staff as part of European Languages Week.

Samy also auditioned for the school production for the first time and landed the leading role.

JPF coordinator Marina Dunford said: “Samy put 100 per cent effort into his role and supported other younger members in the cast and staff producing the show at the same time - an absolute star.”

The grant award was used to advertise the school production around the area, with a banner and leaflets.

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Nitya Katkoria, 12, from Bentley Wood High School, joined the Young Carers Club and was the only girl in Year 7.

Despite having to take time away from school to support members of her family, she is polite and hardworking and still manages to get all her homework done on time. She also helped with Yong Carers week and has recruited another Year 7 into the group.

The grant award was used to pay an annual subscription to Click and Crown magazines for EAL students to read in the library to help them to improve their English.

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Blaine Mendonca, 11, from Salvatorian College, was recognised for his generosity towards other students.

As part of a series of little acts of kindness, Blaine has given his lunch to another pupil on a school trip because he did not have any lunch to eat.

He also brought in pens for a pupil who did not have any.

JPF Coordinator Susan Padian said: “He is a very caring and kind young man who is a fantastic role model and ambassador for our school.”

The grant award was used to pay for a bowling trip as a reward for the top achievers in Blaine's year group.

While Rohisha Luchun, 18, from St Dominics Sixth Form College, was honoured for her tireless work with London's homeless.

The teenager has worked as a volunteer with the homeless in central London for the past six years, helping to serve hot food and distribute blankets and clothing.

The grant award was spent on new footballs and basketballs for her college's students to use.

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All the winners received medallions, a framed certificate and a cheque for £200.

Ten adults were also celebrated with leader awards because they demonstrated an outstanding way or ability to motivate young people. They received a medallion and a framed certificate.

VIPs at the event included corporate director of People’s Services, Chris Spencer, who said: "Thankful for a wonderful evening, full of hope and inspiration. Our future is assured with the talent on show tonight, fantastic."

Cllr Simon Brown, responsible for Children, Schools and Young People, said: "I would like to applaud all the award winners this evening from our Harrow secondary schools. They have shown what determination and commitment can achieve. They are truly an inspiration to us all. We as a council are incredibly proud of them."

Former Mayor of Harrow, Cllr Jean Lammiman, added: “Having met Sir Jack Petchey several times I am very impressed by the continuing success of the Foundation, congratulations to all the winners."

Newly knighted Sir Jack founded the Jack Petchey Foundation in 1999 to recognise the positive contributions young people make to society and to support them in achieving their potential.

Since then it has provided support to a wide range of 2,000 youth initiatives across London and Essex and a milestone investment of £100million.

Sir Jack, 90, said: “I am passionate about our awards scheme which enables young people to be recognised, valued and rewarded for their achievements and positive contributions to society.”