Gold Award Ceremony Honoring Stella Maris Recipients
**Gold Stella Maris Leadership Awards Honour Notre Dame Students**
On Wednesday, 24 April, the annual Gold Stella Maris Leadership Award celebration took place at Notre Dame, recognising the achievements of 45 Upper Sixth students. The event, which brought together important guests including Kieron Flood, Diocesan Director of Education, David Wright, chair of governors, and representatives from partner schools, was a testament to the students' leadership, community service, and academic excellence.
Kieron Flood, in his address, spoke about the concept of 'being real' and living a life of virtue. He commended the students for their leadership, which was evident in their organisation of acts of worship in college, fundraising for Breast Cancer Awareness, and leading events in their local community.
The students were awarded a gold Stella Maris star-shaped badge as recognition of their achievement. They also received commendations from staff in all four virtue classifications: intellectual, moral, civic, and performance. Justine Barlow, a representative of Notre Dame, stated that the evening was about the students, their families, and friends who came to support them.
The celebration concluded with the final hymn, a recording of the combined staff and student choirs singing 'Be Thou My Vision'. The Notre Dame chamber choir, led by Lizzie Leather, senior choral director at Leeds Cathedral, provided a beautiful performance. Valeria Lupanciuc, a student at Notre Dame, sang 'As I kneel before you' accompanied by Moses Colley, adding a poignant note to the celebration.
A small reception followed the ceremony, where official photos were taken. One student expressed gratitude for the Stella Maris Award, stating it had helped them a lot. Another parent thanked the staff for the lovely occasion.
The Gold Stella Maris Leadership Award is an excellent example of how recognition can inspire students to strive for excellence and make a positive impact on their community. By demonstrating significant leadership skills, community service, and academic achievements, the recipients have not only grown personally but have also served as role models for their peers. The ongoing community engagement and institutional pride fostered by such awards contribute to a culture of leadership and community involvement at Notre Dame.
The Gold Stella Maris Leadership Awards ceremony recognized 45 Upper Sixth students for their leadership, community service, and academic excellence, reflecting their commitment to education-and-self-development and personal-growth. Kieron Flood, in his address, encouraged the students to live a life of virtue, acknowledging their leadership as evident in their organized acts of worship, fundraising, and local events.
