CNS celebrates success at annual DofE Awards Celebration Evening

CNS hosted its annual DofE Awards Celebration Evening on Tuesday 1st April, bringing together staff, students, and their families to recognise the achievements of over 90 students who have completed their Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards.

During the evening, the audience heard from guest speakers Kasia Dybis, Gordon Clarke and Tracie Nemeth, and students received their certificates and pinhole badges, marking their hard work and commitment. The event also highlighted the impressive 2000 hours of volunteering contributed by these students to the local community.

Year 11 students Becca and Josh shared their personal experiences during the evening, reflecting on the journey and growth they have experienced through their DofE Awards. They spoke about the valuable skills they have gained and the friendships they have formed.

Keynote speaker Tracie Nemeth, a CNS alumna and current Bid Team Proposal Manager at Aviva, spoke of how the DofE can prepare students for adult life and the workplace, as well as giving them the opportunities to create great memories.

“I didn’t take part in DofE myself, instead I was an air cadet in the Air Training Corps” said Tracie. “Being an air cadet wasn’t just about my pristine uniform, shooting guns and learning to fly a plane (though I sure was proud of those things), it was about being in an environment where respect and discipline were vital; it was about me choosing to be uncomfortable and dealing with that; and it was about me learning that my actions and my behaviours could help motivate and lead others. It won’t surprise you at all to know that it’s those exact same things that have helped me enjoy success in my career“

Tracie, who graduated from CNS in 2001, said, “You’ve all invested time and effort in starting to figure out who you are and what you are capable of. It might not feel like it now, but trust me, you’re almost certainly paving the way towards a future that you’ll be proud of.”

The CNS DofE Awards Celebration Evening not only recognised the hard work of the students but also inspired them to continue their journeys of personal growth and community service.

CNS is a direct licensed centre for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, where students can achieve Bronze, Silver or Gold level, and is proud to be one of the highest performing school DofE centres in the county.

Congratulations to all the students for their remarkable achievements.