This year Kai Gilby of year 9 and Mahault Ledoux of year 8 received an equal number of votes
This year’s Tony Wood Award, presented by Aljezur International School, has been won by two students, Kai Gilby of year 9 and Mahault Ledoux of year 8.
The annual award is given in memory of retired fire chief Tony Wood, a dear friend and valued supporter of the school who died in December 2011 at the age of 52 following a short battle with cancer.
The award was first presented in 2012 and, every year, students are asked to nominate three of their peers who they feel have shown compassion, empathy and kindness throughout the academic year. The student with the most nominations is awarded the prize, and this year Kai and Mahault received an equal number of votes.
“It all happened so fast, and I couldn’t quite believe it when my name was read out,” Kai told us. “And then I felt very proud and happy.”
“I felt surprised and very happy when I was announced as a winner,” said Mahault. “I’m very sad that my family and I are returning to France in the summer, but I will never forget all that I’ve learned at Aljezur International.”
Tony’s wife Sue, who lives in Lagos with her partner David, was there to announce the winners. His daughter Sophie is an ex-student of Aljezur International School and she had travelled from the UK with Tony’s granddaughter Lenni to be there for the award.
As part of the ceremony, all the students of the school were presented with “Being The Best At” awards which were announced by Tony’s family members, as well as awards for academic and sporting achievements.
Sue said: “It is wonderful that the school Tony was so fond of keeps his memory alive by presenting this award every year. Before he retired, Tony was presented with the Queen’s Fire Service Award at Buckingham Palace and it meant more to him than any of his other medals because his peers nominated him. It’s perfect that the Tony Wood Award is given in the same spirit.”
