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Isle of Wight High Sheriff Award Given To Ryde Academy's 'Incredible' Jess Way

Jess receiving her award

A 16-year-old who has been supporting her brother and father after her mother's death has been awarded the Isle of Wight High Sheriff Award.

Ryde Academy student Jess Way, was given the award personally by High Sheriff Caroline Peel, as the ceremony wasn't able to go ahead in March.

The school says Jess has had a tough year not only because of the COVID but also because her mum became poorly in the summer, was admitted to hospital and sadly passed away in October. 

Staff say even though Jess was faced with this enormous loss and her world being turned upside down - she has continued to attend school every day and work hard to get the best results possible in her GCSE year.  

She has managed to put on a brave face to get through every day as best she can and has done this whilst also running the home, supporting her dad and brother through their grief and also being a great support to her friends who are also going through hard times.  

Joy Ballard, Headteacher of Ryde Academy said:

‘Jess is incredibly special to us at the Academy and she makes us proud all the time’. Her resilience, determination and bravery inspire me every day’.

The High Sheriff, Caroline Peel, said:

‘In common with the other nominees for the High Sheriff’s awards this year, Jess has overcome not only personal bereavement but also the restrictions and confinements of Covid, and has come through with flying colours.  Good luck Jess’.

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