Prizegiving citations 2018

The Richardson Prize – Harry Jaquiss      

Harry made his first appearance for the 1st XI football team in the Fifth year and following a successful campaign when he was in the Lower Sixth he was given the opportunity to captain the team this year. Handling the reins of responsibility in a mature manner, he led by example in terms of attitude, the quality of his play, and his absolute commitment to the team.

The CAOKS Trophy for Cricket – Sam Thompson          

Sam has played cricket with distinction throughout his time at school, also playing representative cricket for NE Wales. Sam has captained the team well this year and is always competitive with both bat and ball.

The CAOKS Trophy for Football – Charlie Jones             

Charlie stands out as an individual who may not have been at the forefront of sports teams lower down the school, but through commitment, perseverance and the desire to improve, he has risen to prominence in senior football, where for three years he has been a regular in the 1st XI football team. He is the consummate team player who is able to put his ego away and work tirelessly in support of his teammates.

The CAOKS Trophy for Boys’ Hockey – Aled Bennett               

Aled captained the side well this season, his second in the 1st team squad. In a rebuilding year he galvanised the squad effectively and results were promising. An injury mid-season set him back but he remained highly visible, returning at the end of the year to lead the team and regain his position in the Wales U18 squad.   

The CAOKS Trophy for Netball – Megan Gareh       

Megan has been one of the most dedicated players since her Remove year. Her passion for netball is clear to see and she has been a wonderful 1st VII captain this year. She is ruthless on court yet so beautifully mild mannered off it. She has dedicated her time to coaching the younger pupils and there has never been a more deserved recipient of this award.

The CAOKS Trophy for Girls’ Tennis – Anna Lloyd    

Anna has been the mainstay of the tennis team throughout her time at King’s. She is a talented and competitive player and has been completely committed to school tennis. She has been a credit to the school, gracious in both victory and defeat, exemplifying all of our school’s values.

The CAOKS Trophy for Boys’ Tennis – Archie Blacklock    

Despite suffering from injury, Archie has continued to play tennis to a very high standard achieving some notable victories both personally and for school. He is captain of the senior boys’ tennis team, a position he takes very seriously, and he leads by example both on and off the court.

The CAOKS Trophy for Boys’ Rowing – Tom Ramsbottom         

Tom has been a fantastic role model to his peers and the younger athletes at the rowing club during his time at King’s. He has made the most of every opportunity, racing at five consecutive National Schools Regattas’. Tom has been a key member of the boys 1st VIII for the last two seasons, racing at the Henley Royal Regatta in both seasons. In 2017, Tom represented Team Wales at the Home Countries International Regatta, finishing in third place as part of the coxed four.

The CAOKS Trophy for Girls’ Rowing – Amelia Standing   

Amelia has had an outstanding career as an athlete at the rowing club, representing the club at five consecutive national schools’ regattas, winning a gold medal in 2014 as part of the girls octuple. On the international stage, Amelia represented Team GB at the Under 18 European Rowing Championships last year. As part of the girls coxless four and VIII, Amelia won a total of three medals, two golds and one silver.

The Finn Abberton Medal – Jack Roberts               

In December 2017 the rowing and school community received the devastating news of Finn Abberton’s untimely death. Finn had started his rowing career as a J15 at the King’s School and later moved onto Durham University, where he continued to row at the highest level. Finn was a fine athlete and gentlemen, held in the highest regard by all who knew him. Working with the Abberton family, the rowing community at King’s were keen to ensure that Finn’s remarkable time with us would have a lasting legacy, not only as a young man and great athlete, but also as a member of the community who made a difference to the lives of others. Whilst at the school, Finn represented the rowing club at all levels; National Schools, the Schools’ Head and Henley Royal Regatta. Finn was a true school athlete, he represented the club with pride, passion and a sense of understanding of the club’s history and future.

The Finn Abberton medal is therefore awarded to a member of the school rowing community in recognition of their commitment, endeavour and hard work at the rowing club, reflecting the characteristics that Finn displayed during his time at King’s. This year’s medal is awarded to an athlete who despite currently trialling for Great Britain, rowing in the 1st VIII and studying for his A Levels was able to organise a rowing event to raise much needed funds for his friend, Rohan, in the “Row for Rohan”. The event raised over £2000 and galvanised support from the athletes, coaches and parents on a remarkable afternoon at the rowing club. Finn would have been proud.

The Inaugural Finn Abberton medal is awarded to Jack Roberts.

Sportsman of the Year – Matthew Willis

Matthew has been an outstanding sportsman throughout his time at King’s. He won the English Schools’ XC at each age-group (a feat which even Sir Mo Farah didn’t manage), despite his main sport being triathlon. Matthew is in the GB Triathlon Squad and has captained the English XC team. It is also notable that he has done all this despite being largely self-coached. Matthew’s achievements speak for themselves and don’t be surprised when you hear Matthew’s name in future years! Matthew is not able to be present today as he is representing GB in the World Junior Duathlon Championships in Denmark and we wish him every success.

The CAOKS Trophy for Girls Hockey – Izzie Howell   

Izzie was a natural choice for this year’s 1st XI captain for her expertise, leadership, talent and commitment. At the end of every match the opposition comment on what a delight it is to watch Izzie play. She is a fearless engine in the heart of the midfield who thrives on bringing her team mates into play…she has also scored a few great goals this season.

Sportswoman of the Year – Izzie Howell        

Izzie’s sporting achievements this year are summed up by three words …The Commonwealth Games. This Easter, at the age of just 18, Izzie represented Wales in the National Women’s Hockey Squad in Australia and was a welcome addition to the squad. What an achievement, summing up a fantastic young lady who has worked so hard, to achieve so much.

The CAOKS prize for Poetry – Lottie Cousins  

Great words – especially when married to great music – stir something profound in Lottie. She has always been a gifted writer of poetry, including writing and performing her own powerfully evocative songs. For her A Level in English literature Lottie chose to write a re-creative poem based on the Echo and Narcissus myth in the style of Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy; the result was truly exceptional – a re-creative piece which never descended into mere pastiche.

The Peter Hold Memorial Prize for Acting – Jack Sackett    

Jack’s penchant for convincingly playing sadomasochistic characters ranging from Orin Scrivello in ‘Little Shop of Horrors’, to the nurse in ‘Jeffrey Bernard is Unwell’ and Martin in ‘1984’, has made him a driving force on the King’s School stage. Jack is an actor of originality and courage.

The Joan Saint Memorial Prize for Singing – Amber Disley               

An outstanding soprano who has given great service to Madrigal Choir, School Choir, Sixth Form Choir and Schola Cantorum. She is a wonderful leader of the soprano line and is a reliable and articulate soloist.

The Fergal O’Mahony Prize for Keyboard Playing – James Meakin     

James has been heavily involved in the work of the department throughout his time at King’s. He is a sensitive young pianist and a modest but intelligent musician. James recently achieved Grade 8 piano with distinction and is now looking forward to studying music at university.

The Sarl-Williams Instrumental Prize for Strings – Arvind Sahni

Arvind has made telling contributions to ensemble playing since he started playing the violin at King’s. He has demonstrated real commitment and enthusiasm for both chamber and orchestral playing in his time here, and has been a valued member of String Quartets, King’s Strings, Senior String Orchestra and this year leader of the Chamber Orchestra.

The Sarl-Williams Instrumental Prize for Woodwind – Amelia Jones

Amelia is a talented and versatile musician who is equally comfortable playing classical or jazz. She is a highly valued member of the Jazz Cats, Concert Band and Big Band. Having last year achieved double Grade 8 distinction success in flute and saxophone, she recently took the AB Diploma in saxophone.

The Rotary Club Prize for Public Service – Saffron Townsend    

Saffron has undertaken a huge amount of work for charity both inside and outside school and has done so with genuine commitment and quiet charm.

The Owen Jones Award for Service to the Community – Arsh Adapala

Arsh has been a superb Charity Prefect, quietly and determinedly giving of his time and energies, and encouraging others to do likewise.

The Worden Prize for Conservation – Chloe Morgan        

Along with Megan Gareh, Chloe has run a Natural History Club for younger students, including micro lectures on interesting and endangered species as well as engaging activities that had the students coming back week after week. Chloe also helped to arrange an enrichment trip to Manchester Museum. This is an initiative that has been led entirely by Chloe and Megan for which their teachers and the 20+ regular club attendees are extremely grateful.

The Boswell Medal – Scot Hodgson               

Scot has contributed hugely to the success of the CCF over the last six years. He is robust, flexible, intelligent, and incredibly fit. His military skills are the best in the contingent and this year he successfully commanded the Cambrian Patrol and achieved a coveted Silver Medal. Scot is to attend the Army Officer Selection Board in the Summer and hopes to be selected for a Gap Year Commission before attending university. Scot’s contributions to countless trips, his relentless positivity and his can-do attitude make him a worthy recipient of the Boswell Medal.

The Academic Essay Prize – Oliver Williams

In his essay entitled, ‘Can Maths be considered a language?’, Oliver did a very good job of unpacking some obviously advanced mathematical concepts for the layman. There was an enormous number of ideas for how maths can be considered a language as well as a couple of ways in which it clearly cannot. Paragraphs were nicely balanced with formulaic information and clear explanation in ‘normal’ English as to what it all means. There was evidence of very extensive wider reading, both in the bibliography and in the number of references in the main piece.

The Kearton Prize – Oliver Kidd     

Oliver has been involved in school rowing for many years and hugely devoted to school music, but has also, in his own quiet way, been one of the leading lights academically in a very capable year group.

The Brotherhood Trophy – Patrick Timpson    

Patrick is a larger than life character who re-joined King’s in the Sixth Form having also been a pupil further down the school. His friendliness, support of others and natural charm make him a worthy recipient of this award, voted for by the Upper Sixth. 

The Edwards Memorial Prize – Sophie Sinclair-Reeks           

Sophie is a prodigiously hard working young lady who goes about her academic business with a clear determination, and her resilience in coping with serious illnesses through both her GCSE and A Level exams is an example to us all. Her effort has been exemplary throughout the Sixth Form and that she has managed this whilst also representing the country in ice hockey is all the more impressive.

The Arts Committee Prize for Drama – Abigail Fisher           

Abigail has thrown herself wholeheartedly into extra-curricular drama during her time at King’s.  Her portrayal of Ronette in ‘Little Shop of Horrors’, Kate in ‘Nicholas Nickleby’ and Hippolyta in ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ were all characteristically outstanding.  Abi’s mature, pragmatic and generous approach to all aspects of drama has made her a much valued asset to the school and her unconditional offer to study drama at St Mary’s University is testament to her unfaltering talent and commitment to her craft.

The Cook Forster Prize for the Deputy Head of School – Abigail Fisher

Abigail is a ferociously hard working and dedicated young lady who has excelled in all that she does at King’s and she has undertaken her duties as Deputy Head of School with measured calm and assurance.

The Tom Clamp Memorial Prize & The Head of School’s Prize – Olivia Wade-Jones               

Olivia has been a superb Head of School. She has maintained a friendly approachability but has the steely resolve to make difficult decisions. She has managed this whilst also excelling in a wide variety of school activities, especially in school music and also maintaining an excellent academic standard.

The Robert Jones Kendrick Memorial Prize, The Westminster Medal & The Kapur Prize for the Deputy Head of School – Aditya Iyer       

Aditya is an outstanding academic. He undertook five A Levels in the Lower Sixth, teaching himself computer science and has completed four subjects this summer. He has excelled since joining the school and has also gained an offer from Cambridge to study Economics, arguably the most competitive course in the country. He has managed this, whilst also undertaking his duties as Deputy Head of school and organising a TedX Youth event, with a calm and measured politeness.