Nine young people from Newark-area schools have been recognised for their courage and resilience at an annual awards ceremony.
The Rotary Clubs of Newark and Newark Castle held their annual Awards for Courage at Newark Showground on Monday (March 16), a celebration of hard work and bravery in the face of adversity which has been held since 2012.
This year, the awards were for 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; and Jake Wright and Adbulhafiz Huseen from Newark Academy.
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. Photo: David Dawson/Iliffe Media
Phoebe Walker-Price. Photo: David Dawson/Iliffe Media
Natasha Norfolk. Photo: David Dawson/Iliffe Media
The awards were presented by Rotary district governor Peter Hurst, and the ceremony was led by Rotarian 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.
First to receive their award was John James Coverdale, who was nominated by Kelly Jones for his determination to succeed in his studies, and the way he had dealt with family bereavements with “care and understanding”.
Peter Hurst, Rotary district governor, with award winner Jake Wright’s mum Rachel Hughes and Glenis Willis of Newark Academy. Photo: David Dawson/Iliffe Media
Peter Hurst, Rotary district governor, with award winner Milana Simakova and nominator Wendy Redmond of Suthers School. Photo: David Dawson/Iliffe Media
Abdulhafiz Huseen. Photo: David Dawson/Iliffe Media
Kelly said: “John James has been at Newark Orchard School since he was six years old, and over the last 13 years we’ve had the privilege of watching him grow into a great young man.”
John James will leave the school this year to continue his education at Portland College, where he plans to study media and pursue his dream career path of working in film and television.
“School will be a strange place without him,” Kelly added.
“We know he will go far in his future career.”
Peter Hurst, Rotary district governor, with award winner Phoebe Walker-Price with nominator from Newark College. Photo: David Dawson/Iliffe Media
Peter Hurst, Rotary district governor, with award winner Natasha Norfolk with nominator Charlotte Downing of Tuxford Academy. Photo: David Dawson/Iliffe Media
Peter Hurst, Rotary district governor, with award winner John James Coverdale and Kelly Jones of Newark Orchard School. Photo: David Dawson/Iliffe Media
John James thanked his family, friends, and staff at the school for their support over the years, and said: “It was very good, I think it was one of the best days of the year so far. I’ve been working hard in class, and it is nice to celebrate with my family.”
The next recipient was Milana Simakova, who was nominated by Wendy Redmond for her “great tenacity and resilience”, having moved to The Suthers School from out of area in year nine and initially taking time to settle in, as well as facing challenges at home and becoming a young carer.
Describing Milana as an “absolute gem”, Wendy added: “Despite the curveballs thrown her way, she has never lost her kindness or sense of humour.
“She has the warmest smile which lights up the room. She is a genuinely good person with a golden heart, who has a bright future ahead.”
Milana Simakova. Photo: David Dawson/Iliffe Media
Peter Hurst, Rotary district governor, with award winner Abdulhafiz Huseen and nominator with Glenis Willis of Newark Academy. Photo: David Dawson/Iliffe Media
Peter Hurst, Rotary district governor, with award winner Johnthomas Adams, and Lynsay Thompson of Magnus Academy. Photo: David Dawson/Iliffe Media
Milana plans to continue her studies to become a social worker or psychiatrist to help other young people the way she has been, the audience were told.
“It’s very nice [to be recognised],” Milana said.
“It feels weird that it’s all about me, but I’m very thankful.”
The third award went to Theo Eliades, nominated by Dan Fowler, who was commended for the way he had “risen in spite of adversity”.
Johnthomas Adams. Photo: David Dawson/Iliffe Media
Bella Lane. Photo: David Dawson/Iliffe Media
Peter Hurst, Rotary district governor, with award winner Bella Lane and nominator Jason Spillany of ASI. Photo: David Dawson/Iliffe Media
Despite facing much time in and out of hospital due to Crohn’s Disease, Theo has not let this stop him from pushing himself and succeeding both academically and physically, Dan explained.
He said: “Theo is a young man whose determination inspires those around him… despite pain, uncertainty, and missing out on things others take for granted.”
As his health stabilised, Theo not only got back to ‘normal life’, but has gone further, competing in athletics, joining the academy’s F1 club, and working hard on his GCSEs.
“Your journey is not just a story of coping, but of thriving,” Dan added.
John James Coverdale. Photo: David Dawson/Iliffe Media
Theo Eliades. Photo: David Dawson/Iliffe Media
Jake Wright. Photo: Supplied
Peter Hurst, Rotary district governor, with award winner Theo Eliades and nominator Dan Fowler of Sir William Robertson Academy. Photo: David Dawson/Iliffe Media
Speaking of his award, Theo said it felt quite good to be recognised, and that he was proud of himself for everything he had come through.
Johnthomas Adams was nominated by Lindsay Thompson, for the fourth presentation.
Despite losing both his parents at a young age, Johnthomas has remained committed to his education and “never let anything come in the way of his end goal”.
“Johnthomas is a valued member of the Magnus family,” Lindsay said.
“Despite challenges in his life he went on to do very well as his GCSEs and then decided to stay on at sixth form.
“He has many admirers at Magnus, among the staff, who have seen his resilience and determination over the years.”
Johnthomas has now secured an offer to study maths at Lincoln University, to work towards his goal of becoming an accountant, and said he felt “appreciated”, having been recognised by his teachers for his hard work.
The next to be presented with her award was Bella Lane, nominated by Jason Spillane for her commitment to her studies following a fresh start in education.
Physical health and personal issues had meant that Bella missed significant amounts of school in years ten and 11, but having joined the ASI for a fresh start she has excelled and focused on keeping her attendance high.
“She is on track to complete her level three qualification,” Jason said.
“Bella has lots of options for her future, she is considering a career in aviation or potentially going to university.”
Described as compassionate and empathetic, Bella has left behind her previous concerns which have “allowed her to fly” on the course.
She said: “It’s nice that [Jason] has seen that in me, I appreciate that.”
Making “a complete turnaround” in her happiness after finding a course which truly suited her led Phoebe Walker-Price to be the sixth recipient, nominated by Janet Feeney.
When Phoebe initially joined Newark College she was anxious about the experience and first chose to study childcare — but while she loved the college experience she didn’t settle into the course. Switching to automotive engineering was a transformational move, and Phoebe is now calmer and happier, and looking forward to doing work experience and potentially an apprenticeship.
Despite her initial nerves, Phoebe now “represents the college at every open evening, parents evening, and welcome event”, and is a much-loved member of the college community.
Phoebe said she was happy to have been nominated.
The seventh recipient, Natasha Norfolk, was nominated by Charlotte Browning for being “brilliant” and showing “remarkable bravery”.
As a young person in care, Natasha has faced challenges both emotionally and academically, Charlotte explained, but had shown maturity in her willingness to seek support when struggling, particularly with the pressures of year 11 exams.
“She has also demonstrated significant personal growth in becoming honest with trusted adults when things do not feel right,” she added.
“Natasha hopes to study childcare, and I know she will do great going forward.”
Abdulhafiz Huseen was the eight recipient, labelled as an “example of tenacity” by his nominator Glenis Willis.
Having arrived in the UK from Ethiopia in 2025, in the care of the local authority and leaving his family behind, Abdulhafiz has dedicated himself to succeeding in and out of school.
“The young man you see has been so determined to learn English,” Glenis said.
“Upon his arrival he knew the odd English word, and now can have a 30-minute two-way conversation and talks with his friends.”
His dedication to his religion was also noted, as while travelling to the UK during Ramadan in 2025 he was unable to fast — and so decided to make up the 19 days he missed by fasting during the school holidays in December.
Abdulhafiz aspires to be a mechanic in the future and is also a keen footballer, and while not currently on a team has been working hard to keep fit by going to the gym.
“You are amazing and we are all so proud of you,” Glenis added.
Abdulhafiz said: “I’m very happy, because it is my first time [receiving an award]. I’m very happy.”
Last but not least was Jake Wright, who was nominated by Claire Kent. His award was collected on his behalf by his mum, Rachel Hughes.
Despite having significant medical challenges, which resulted in him needing a transplant, Jake has shown resilience and is keen to be ‘one of the lads’.
Speaking on behalf of the school, Glenis Willis said: “[Jake] always tries to remain upbeat and positive at school.
“He has a team of staff who support him and say he just gets on with life, he never complains. He just wants to be Jake.
“He’s been through what he has while continuing to smile, laugh and joke with his friends, he is an amazing miracle of a young lad. He shows what a true child of courage looks like.”
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”.