The Eastern Daily Press Norfolk Education Awards 2024 are open for entries, offering a chance to showcase the dedication, innovation and engagement that is seen throughout the education sector in Norfolk.
Here we speak to Denise Hone, senior stakeholder manager at RWE, about the Student of the Year category.
This award will recognise an exceptional student who demonstrates the positive impact their studies and learning application have on their professional development and their commitment to the wider community.
Why did you decide to sponsor this award?
Providing an opportunity to celebrate young individuals is important not only for the students but for those who may have supported them.
During RWE’s engagement activities, we meet so many students at different stages of education, and to provide an outlet for those who go over and beyond is important to show that all their hard work is not going unnoticed.
We are delighted to be sponsoring this category and recognising students who may of improved not only in academics, but those who have demonstrated improvement within the wider school community.
Hopefully the award will inspire other students to do the same and showcase that opportunities are limitless.
What do you feel is the biggest challenge facing education in Norfolk in 2024?
I think some of the challenges are getting modern facilities and keeping up to date with advancing technologies, as well as attracting and retaining teachers and lecturers across all subjects.
What are your hopes for the future of education in Norfolk?
I hope that in the future it will be fully inclusive, providing education that is fair and equal, allowing a chance for everyone to succeed no matter their ability or background.
What will winning this award mean for the selected student?
I hope it will bring pride to the student and showcase that they have been seen and heard, which will encourage them to continue this success in the rest of their education journey.
Do you feel it is easier or more challenging to be a student in 2024 than it was 20 years ago?
Today there are a volume of opportunities in the region on the doorsteps of students across varying sectors.
However, there are a lot of social pressures that students were not facing 20 years ago.
I believe it is down to the individual and not the challenges around them.
The deadline for nominations for the Eastern Daily Press Norfolk Education Awards is midnight on Sunday, July 28. For more information, including four-point judging criteria, and to make your nominations, visit norfolkeduawards.co.uk
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