Celebrating Success: Stoke Damerel Hosts Inspiring "Moments that Matter" Awards Evening

Pride, excitement, and a deep sense of achievement filled the air as Stoke Damerel Community College hosted its much-anticipated annual Awards Ceremony. Centred around the inspiring theme “Moments that matter,” the evening served as a joyful tribute to the dedication, growth, and accomplishments of our exceptional students.
The event came to life through powerful student reflections, moving performances, and heartfelt speeches that united the audience in celebration. Behind the scenes, none of this would have been possible without the tireless effort of our staff, who continue to guide, support, and uplift our students at every step.
Here are some of the incredible stories shared by our students on the night, detailing their own personal moments that matter and how our school community has helped them grow, find their voices, and thrive:
Albie and Travis: From the Pitch to the Stage
For Albie and Travis, a lifelong passion for sports took an unexpected turn in Year 7 after watching the school production of Mary Poppins. Inspired to step out of his comfort zone, he auditioned for Oliver Twist and eventually landed the lead role of Troy in High School Musical.
"Standing in front of a packed audience felt terrifying. But I pushed through, found confidence I never knew I had, and proved to myself that I could do more than I ever thought was possible. It showed me that sometimes the moments that matter the most are the ones you never see coming."
Carla (Year 7): Embracing Heritage and Leadership
Proud of her Romanian heritage and bilingual skills, Carla spoke passionately about community, inclusivity, and breaking down stereotypes. Her confidence led her to represent the Romanian School at the Council House in front of the Romanian Ambassador, and later earn a standing ovation at a Rotary Conference for International Women’s Day.
"At just 11 years old, I was able to share real knowledge... My message was that, at any age, women and girls can achieve their dreams if they work hard and never give up. This shows how open and welcoming our school is in celebrating diversity."
Judith: A Foundation for Future Success
Judith balanced an incredibly busy year, completing a Scholar’s university programme, earning her Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award, starring as Sharpay in High School Musical, and serving as the school's Poet Laureate. She also captained the school netball team to a historic gold medal victory at the PGL Torquay tournament.
"This position allowed me to support my teammates, cheer them on, and learn what leading by example truly meant. I see these accomplishments not as the finish line, but the foundation for future success. The lessons I have learnt will continue to guide me."
The Awards Evening will be remembered as more than just a ceremony – it was a beautiful reminder of what is possible when young people are encouraged to believe in themselves, embrace their unique stories, and chase their dreams with confidence.
We are immensely proud of all our award winners!

