Teddington and Whitton teens win place on South East leadership course
A teenager from Teddington has won a place on Rotary Youth Leaders Awards (RYLC) after impressing during an interview.
Waldegrave student Mary Ovakimian, 16, from Teddington, will join pupils on the trip to High Ashurst Outdoor Activity Centre in Dorking in the April half-term next year.
The week centres around activities that build confidence and leadership and feature an assault course, orienteering and problem solving.
Gabrielle Spencer, from Whitton, also won a place on the course, she said: “I was really surprised actually that I was chosen. It was a real honour because I know how few students actually get this chance.
“I am quite active, I like sport and outdoor things, so I guess that was why the school put me forward.
“I have really grown in confidence over the last few months and that is largely to do with the new heads of the school.”
Twickenham Academy headteacher Assal Ruse said: “The Twickenham Academy community is extremely proud of the work and achievements of Gabrielle.
“She is a reflection of a great number of other students at the school who work tirelessly to give back to their communities and put others’ needs before their own.
The course is funded by the Twickenham-upon-Thames Rotary Club.
