EDUCATION AWARDS 2019: Most Improved Student, sponsored by Worldwide Fruit
Thousands of children and young people from schools across south-east Lincolnshire started their Easter holidays this week.
For some pupils and students, the past term has been a case of picking up from the good position they were in at the start of 2019.
But for others, thoughts of how to make their school life better during the summer term might be uppermost in their minds.
One of the Lincolnshire Free Press and Spalding Guardian Education Awards' 11 categories recognises pupils and students who make efforts to improve their academic performance and significant growth in attitude, behaviour and progress.
The Most Improved Student category has been sponsored by Worldwide Fruit ever since the Education Awards were first held in 2014.
Richard Cundall, human resources manager for Worldwide Fruit, said: "We are a leading employer in the fresh produce industry, employing over 340 staff at our purpose-built facility in Spalding.
"We supply all the major retailers, including Lidl, Sainsbury's and Waitrose, with apples, pears, avocados and, most recently, stone fruit.
"This year, we have also built a special facility to house our latest venture, packing fruit baskets for Marks and Spencer (M&S).
"We are proud of the many awards we have won over the years, including recognition from Waitrose, Sainsbury’s and M&S, along with an Investors in People gold level accreditation in 2017 - a particularly high point for Worldwide Fruit.
"More recently, Worldwide Fruit was named Business of the Year at the sixth annual South Holland Business Awards in 2018.
"The business constantly invests in our staff through the 'Growing Our Own' strategy, with many examples of people who have been promoted during their career with us.
"These include chief executive officer Steve Maxwell and three members of our executive team.
"Our strategic direction ensures that Worldwide Fruit is leading the way in lean and continuous improvement tools and techniques.
"By doing this, we find that our focus on staff development ensures that Worldwide Fruit is an employer of choice.
"Therefore, sponsoring the Most Improved Student award feels like a natural fit for us as it celebrates continuous improvement and achievement.
"Students nominated for this award have shown incredible determination and drive, both of which are attributes that will support them in the future."
Last year, Mr Cundall awarded the Most Improved Student award to Konnor Lee, now in Year 11 at Spalding Academy.
Speaking after the 2018 Education Awards, held at Spalding's South Holland Centre, Konnor said: "I never used to listen, I was rude and if I'd got the slightest bit angry, I'd just walk out of the classroom.
"Then at the end of Year 9, I started to behave better after realising that if I wanted a job, I needed to change my attitude."
Ian Billinghurst, Spalding Academy's pastoral manager, said: "The transformation in Konnor has been amazing."
. You can nominate a pupil/student, teacher/staff member, class and/or school in one or more of the awards’ 11 categories.
Nomination forms are available by emailing Denise Vickers at denise.vickers@iliffepublishing.co.uk or call 01775 765400.
Completed forms should be returned by May 22 ahead of judging later the same month.
Coun Patricia Bradwell, executive member for children’s services at Lincolnshire County Council, said: "We have some of the best providers of education in the country and these awards celebrate the many achievements and success stories in our schools.
"It is important that nurseries, pre-schools, primary and secondary schools in the south-eastern part of the county don't miss out on sending in your nominations and getting some deserved recognition for students and teachers who have really made a difference."
The categories are Contribution to the Community, sponsored by Bakkavor Group; Environmental Award, sponsored by South Holland District Council; Pre-School of the Year, sponsored by Riverside Training; Inspirational Teacher of the Year (Primary), sponsored by Springfields Outlet Shopping and Leisure; Inspirational Teacher of the Year (Secondary), sponsored by Produce Industry Expo 2019; Most Improved Student, sponsored by Worldwide Fruit; Student of the Year, sponsored by Duncan and Toplis Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers; Outstanding Sporting Achievement, sponsored by Double G Clothing; Primary School of the Year, sponsored by Moore Thompson Chartered Accountants; Secondary School of the Year, sponsored by Freshtime UK; Support Staff Award, sponsored by Calthrops Solicitors.