Awards for Courage 2026

All photographs featured courtesy of the Newark Advertiser (David Dawson/Iliffe Media)

Pictured above are the award winners with, from left: president of Newark Castle Rotary Club Mac Mallard, Celia Brooks, Barbara Corrigan, Linda Tift, district governor Peter Hurst, and president of Newark Rotary Club David Tranter.

This year’s awards were held at the Cedric Ford Pavilion at the Newark Showground on Monday 16th March 2026. A big thank you to the Showground staff, dignitaries, sponsor and all schools who took part who made this such a wonderful event!

The Courage Awards are a celebration of hard work and bravery in the face of adversity. This year nine young people from Newark-area schools have been recognised for their courage and resilience at our annual awards ceremony.

For the 2026 Awards presentations wards were made to:

• John James Coverdale from Newark Orchard School
• Milana Simakova from The Suthers School
• Theo Eliades from Sir William Robertson Academy
• Johnthomas Adams from Magnus Church of England Academy;
• Bella Lane from ASI
• Phoebe Walker-Price from Newark College
• Natasha Norfolk from Tuxford Academy
• Adbulhafiz Huseen from Newark Academy
• Jake Wright also from Newark Academy

The awards were presented by Rotary district governor Peter Hurst, and the ceremony was led by Rotarian Bob Hattersley who was a late stand in for Ian Brownhill. Alongside nominees, their families, and representatives of the schools, also in attendance were civic dignitaries from the town and district councils, who enjoyed a welcoming address and lunch service before the presentations.

In concluding the ceremony, the Rotary Club of Newark president David Tranter said:

“There’s only one thing I can say after that, ‘wow’.

“What an amazing group of young people. Each of the awards were in their own special way so well deserved.

“The resilience and determination shown by these young people is inspiring. We wish them the very best as they continue their journeys in life.”

He also extended thanks to the teaching and support staff who had enabled the recipients to “show their true talents”.

The Rotary Clubs of Newark and Newark Castle would also like to thank all of the sponsors for their generosity in supporting and attending this worthy event, the Newark Advertiser for covering the event and the Newark Showground for hosting. The feature by the Newark Advertiser can be found by clicking on the link below:

https://premium.newarkadvertiser.co.uk//news/children-s-courage-and-resilience-recognised-at-awards-9457728/

The event sponsors for 2025 were:

Award Recipients for 2026:

John James Coverdale - Newark Orchard School

John James is in his last year in Newark Orchard school and is excited about transitioning on to his college. Over his years with us he has overcome several personal difficulties, including the loss of a parent, but he hasn’t let it diminish his enthusiasm and the love of life and learning. We are very proud of the young man he has become.

Milana Simokava - The Suthers School

Milana came to us part way through Year 9 from a school out of area and her success ever since has been truly inspiring. Through difficult challenges at home and taking on the role of a young carer there have been many moments that tested her strength, yet she has shown remarkable tenacity and resilience. She has never given up, nor lost her kindness or wonderful sense of humour. She is a genuinely good person, with a golden heart and a very bright future ahead. We truly believe this achievement is so richly deserved.

Theo Eliades - Sir William Robertson Academy

Theo spent much of last year in and out of hospital battling Crohn’s Disease. Despite ongoing daily challenges, he stayed positive, returned to sport, and now proudly represents his Cadets/Squadron in cross-country championships at National Level. His resilience continues to inspire.

Johnthomas Adams - Magnus Academy

Johnthomas has faced and overcome many significant challenges throughout his life, facing obstacles that could have easily discouraged him or diverted him from his goals. Despite these difficulties, he has consistently demonstrated remarkable resilience, strength of character and an unwavering commitment to his education. As a result of his persistence and determination he has now been offered a place at University. This opportunity stands as a testament to how far he has come and the bright future that lies ahead.

Bella Lane - Newark ASI

Bella missed a significant amount of time from secondary school and came to ASI for a fresh start to her education. Bella has shown determination to keep her attendance as high as possible and to work hard on her course. Bella is a compassionate, empathetic individual who truly cares for the other people in her life. Her work is outstanding and she left behind previous concerns that have seen her fly at ASI and we are excited for what Bella does next.

Phoebe Walker-Price - Newark College

When Phoebe rang to ask about courses, she was so nervous, she was asked to come into college to have a chat and asked if she could bring someone as she had so much anxiety about coming after her experience of school. When she arrived, Phoebe was on her own. She took that step on her own and has flourished throughout her college time. Phoebe first came to us in September 2024 studying Childcare. Her outgoing personality and love of the college environment shone through, but she struggled to settle and could often be found roaming around college in turmoil.  In the summer term 2025, Phoebe decided to apply for Media L2 at Newark College, she was unable to settle on the course and didn’t feel this was the right career path for her. Towards the end of September Phoebe met with our Careers Guidance Adviser, who took the time to find out what Phoebe was passionate about – cars, trucks and lorries!  Phoebe transferred to L1 Automotive engineering course. which has been transformational. Phoebe loves the course and is so much calmer and happier.  She can stay in our English and maths classes and not only complete work but excel at it! Phoebe is also deeply involved in college life attending clubs at lunchtime with Project You, open days and welcome events – she has even appeared on our social media channels spreading the word about how great college is.  Phoebe is now looking towards doing work experience in a local Newark garage in June and hoping this may progress to an apprenticeship. She has shown immense courage and resilience throughout her time here and has grown in confidence and matured in her outlook on life. Phoebe has listened to us when we suggest ways she could progress, both within college and in her personal life. Phoebe –   we love the effort, energy and passion you bring to Newark College.

Natasha Norfolk - Tuxford Academy

As a young person in care, she has faced challenges both emotionally and academically, yet she continues to demonstrate resilience and determination. Throughout this academic year, she has struggled with her mental health and the pressures associated with Year 11 examinations. Despite this, she has shown remarkable bravery by actively engaging in counselling sessions and speaking openly and honestly with her key worker and residential staff. Her willingness to seek support and communicate her feelings reflects a level of maturity. She has also demonstrated significant personal growth in becoming honest with trusted adults when things do not feel right. Even when this has meant speaking up about difficult situations, she has shown integrity and courage, prioritising her wellbeing and safety or her and others.

Abdulhafiz Huseen - Newark Academy

Abdulhafiz arrived in our country from Ethiopia into the care of the local authority in April 2025. Upon his arrival he knew the odd English word but with very little understanding of our language. Abdulhafiz is one of the most genuine young men I have ever had the pleasure of working with. His determination to succeed is outstanding and he works his socks off to enable he is achieving to the best of his abilities.

Jake Wright - Newark Academy

Jake started at Newark Academy with his twin brother in 2023 and he already had been in and out of hospital due to his medical needs and these have continued in the three years he has been with us. Jake shows true resilience in these periods but all he wants to be is one of the lads. Life hasn’t been easy from the moment he was born but he continues to show true tenacity.