Young people celebrate in style with Aimhigher

Aimhigher Cheshire and Warrington held an awards evening with a twist at The University of Chester last week. Over 180 people attended the ceremony held in the Malloy building on the Chester Campus.

The award ceremony was for learners from high schools across Cheshire East, Cheshire West & Chester and Warrington who have been working with Aimhigher on a range of projects over a number of years. They attended with their Parents and Carers and were joined by Teachers and Head Teachers, Aimhigher Coordinators, staff from the University, local MP Stephen Mosley and representatives from many local businesses.

As part of the awards evening, rather than just a formal ceremony, a large celebration event took place. Circus acts and interactive workshops with Cheshire Fire and Rescue along with a ‘mocktail’ bar drew crowds outside into the evening sunshine. Inside a crime scene was waiting to be investigated with evidence sheets completed and entered into a prize draw.  There was also a chance to work with the Classroom Medics to see what you would look like in 50 years.  Performing Arts Company; 2Engage put on a series of performances and there was a market place of stands from various companies and organisations including Cheshire Constabulary, The Chartered institute of Marketing, Connexions and U-explore. The atmosphere at the event was brilliant

Christine Edmunds Area Manger for Aimhigher said: “The event was a great success; all the young people have worked so hard and all now have a greater understanding of all the options open to them with regards to their futures. It was good to see so many of them here with their families taking part in all the activities and really celebrating.”

The atmosphere was maintained during the Ceremony by MC Paul Sleem and the evening drew to a close with a prize draw, Alton Towers and the Village Hotel kindly donated prizes.  It is hoped that this event can be repeated in the future with more young people.

Aimhigher would like to thank Sponsors:

• 2Engage Theatre Company
• British Youth Film Academy
• Cheshire Fire and Rescue
• Connexions – Cheshire & Warrington Limited
• Cooperative financial services
• Keele University
• Manchester Metropolitan University
• Manchester Museum
• NHS Skills Academy
• Reaseheath College
• University of Chester