Presenting awards to the students at Ferndown Upper School (FUS) is the best day of the year for the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation (JTYAF). The successful award applicants are talented students with a whole range of aspirations for the future and the JTYAF is privileged to be able to give them the opportunity to develop and ‘follow their dreams.’

This year saw 36 young people receive 34 awards ranging from a bursary of £160 to fund piano lessons, up to scholarships of £1800.

Among the award winners was Shola Pitman who impressed the Trustees with her determination to raise enough money to go on a trip to Thailand to volunteer at an animal sanctuary. She is working hard to raise the remaining money herself by organising a disco using local DJs.

Charlotte Harvey and Alice Billington, both Sixth formers at FUS, decided to do something that would ‘take them out of their comfort zone’ and so they are off to India to volunteer with a charity.

James Hazel seems to be turning his home into a recording studio! James, a talented songwriter was successful with his bid to fund more equipment.

A group award was also presented to three young ladies from Ferndown Netball Club who needed a new netball kit and the JTYAF was delighted to support them.

Over £15,000 was awarded to the FUS students, which takes the total awards made since 2008 to £260,000. These awards have supported the ambitions of more than 600 young people from 16 local youth organisations. Although the totals are impressive it’s the difference that the foundation has made to so many young lives that is important and John would be extremely proud of his legacy, particularly at his old school.