Duke of Edinburgh Gold award winners with their teachers.
NINE students have been presented with a Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award following a expedition in the Lake District.
Vanessa Francis, Adrian Gustar, Jeremy Lea, Louisa Lieng, Emily Middleton, Ruth Mowlam, Cara Valvona and Emma Yates, all of Ryde School, plus Katherine Grattage, of Sandown High School, received an award at a presentation dinner last week.
The students spent five days in the Lake District last summer, which included camping in the wild and battling with appalling weather.
Along the way they passed the famous Napes Needle but they had to demonstrate a considerable amount of determination, commitment and stamina to complete the expedition.
"They got very cold, wet and wind swept but they showed great courage and we are very proud of what they have achieved," said Peter Johnson, teacher at Ryde School.
In addition to the expedition, the students were required to fulfil a range of other services to the community, to receive a Gold Award.
Louisa Lieng and Jeremy Lea also received a Basic Expedition Leadership (BEL) award during the expedition, while it is hoped the event will form the start of a partnership between Ryde School and Sandown High School.
"I am convinced by completing the Gold Award it will make the students more resourceful people, equipping them with the skills and mental strength to face other challenges in the future," said Mr Johnson.
Reporter: mattw@iwcpmail.co.uk