In a class of their own
7:00am Wednesday 23rd July 2008
THEY are more used to helping others but a number of school staff have been rewarded for their outstanding work.
The staff from three Warrington schools got top marks in the Guardian Newspapers Cheshire School Awards – beating off competition from across the county.
Stuart Tunney, head of year 10 at William Beamont High School, has been voted the secondary school teacher of the year.
Nominated by parent Caron Choates, Mr Tunney was described as a teacher who goes that extra mile to inspire children.
“He is passionate about empowering his students to reach their fullest potential,” she said.
“He has a unique skill to enable him to understand challenging behaviour and to turn young underachievers into champions.”
Accepting the award from Nicola Priest, editor of the Warrington Guardian, Mr Tunney said he was delighted. He said it was all about getting the students to focus on their work and to believe in themselves.
Meanwhile, Joy Darlington, who works at St Margaret’s CE Primary in Orford, took the accolades in the classroom assistant of the year section. Nominated by 10-year-old James Leigh, she has worked at the school for eight years.
James has a rare condition that has forced him to spend much of his school life in a wheelchair and he says Mrs Darlington, from Halsall Avenue, has been an inspiration to him.
He added: “When I was born, my left leg was shorter than my right and I needed a wheelchair.
“Mrs Darlington has helped me out, pushing me and even allowing me to play basketball in my chair.
“And she helps out everyone when they need something.”
Mrs Darlington said: “James has been a pleasure to work with.
“He is so brave and has gone through some terrible things. It is him that should win the award.”
Dawn Marsh was top of the class in the school crossing patroller of the year category. Mrs Marsh, of Bruche Primary School, has done the job for five years and is from Latchford.
She was moved by her win and loves the job. Each overall winner received the following: * A meal for two c/o Tom At 101 in Stockton Heath * A gift c/o Debenhams in Golden Square * A bouquet c/o Heaven Sent, in Latchford, or champagne c/o Asda * A glass trophy * A certificate Meanwhile each highly commended winner received either a bouquet c/o Heaven Sent or a bottle of champagne c/o Asda and a certificate.