We are proud to announce that Year 9 student, Ethan Suppaya, was announced as the winner of the St Jospephine Bakhita Award at the Celebrating Young People Awards in Leicester Square, London, last night, November 23.

The awards are an opportunity for the Catholic community to celebrate the enthusiasm, commitment and incredible difference young people like Ethan make to the lives of countless people inspired by Catholic social teaching.

Ethan was shortlisted along with a group of students from St Gregory the Great School in Oxford along with students from Bellrive Catholic College in Liverpool, Bishop  Milner in Dudley, Ursuline High School in Wimbledon and Loreto Grammar School in Altrincham.

The competition was tough as all the students were nominated for doing outstanding work in their school communities and when Ethan was announced there was an audible gasp from his delighted family who were in the audience along with Mr Lewis and Mr and Mrs Halliwell.

Ethan went on stage to collect his crystal award and pose for photographs and everyone agreed the award was well deserved for his work in school helping to promote and protect the dignity of refugees and migrants families.

Mr Halliwell was there to see Ethan pick up his award and added: “Pope Francis has stated that every human being is lovingly and beautifully made in God’s image and likeness and that he other principles flow from this. Ethan is the epitome of kindness and always shows love for his fellow man. What a beautiful quality to possess.”

Archbishop Malcolm McMahon was there to congratulate the winners.

The awards are sponsored by Million Minutes.

Congratulations Ethan!