Lali Mohammed spent the £250 on a bass guitar for the music department


Lali Mohammed of Ark Putney Academy gave away her cash prize

Fifteen year old Lali Mohammed was one of 68 young people from schools across Wandsworth came together to receive prestigious Jack Petchey Foundation Achievement Awards presented at the Wandsworth Civic Centre.

The event last month honoured Achievement Award winners aged 11-25 who received medallions to go with their framed certificate and a cheque for £250 each, already presented. They were nominated by their peers and leaders, winning awards for a variety of achievements big and small but always for doing their best.

Lali attends Ark Putney Academy - she joined the Academy last year from another school, yet she jumped into Ark Academy life straight away, joining the choir. Within two months, she had performed in public for the first time in her life at the Wandsworth Jack Petchey Achievement Awards 2016. Since then, she has learnt how to play the drums and bass guitar and has become an integral part of the Year 10 band, ‘Sonus’, as a singer and bass player. She has demonstrated her commitment to improving her musical performance skills by attending choir three nights a week and has inspired many others in the choir to sing harmonies. Lali's personal confidence has come on in leaps and bounds, but she still has the drive and ambition to improve. She decided to spend her £250 prize on a new bass guitar for the music department.

In addition, five adults were also celebrated with Leader Awards who have demonstrated, in an outstanding way, an ability to motivate young people. They received a medallion and a framed certificate.

Youth organisations and schools in Wandsworth have received funding of £534,900 from the Jack Petchey Foundation since funding started in 2007.

Cllr. Richard Field, Mayor of Wandsworth, who presented the awards commented, “Another great evening; a wonderful organisation and tremendous achievements of our young people in Wandsworth. I was very proud to be here - congratulations to all!”

Cllr. Clare Salier, Chair of the Education and Children’s Social Services Committee, added, “A fun evening celebrating the wonderful achievements of our Wandsworth young people and the great work that the Jack Petchey Foundation undertakes in the borough. Thank you for letting me be a part of it.”