On Wednesday 22nd October, the Embark Federation family came together for a truly unforgettable evening to celebrate the achievements, creativity, and character of our incredible young people at the Embark Awards 2025.
The awards recognised those who go above and beyond in their schools and communities, embodying the Embark values of Family, Integrity, Teamwork, and Success every day. From acts of kindness to remarkable personal accomplishments, the night showcased the extraordinary ways our young people make a difference.
Many inspiring stories were shared, such as donating hair to the Little Princess Trust to support children undergoing treatment for cancer, running over sixty miles to raise funds for local charities, and leading school initiatives with integrity, teamwork, and dedication. These achievements, alongside countless acts of everyday kindness, highlight how our young people consistently stand out and live our values.
The evening was brought to life by an incredible team of supporters. Special thanks went to our planning team, Rosie, Ben, Laura, and Lisa E, for organising the event, and to Martin Whiteman for capturing every moment in photos. The Embark Central Team and Lead IT provided crucial behind-the-scenes and technical support, ensuring the evening ran seamlessly.
The awards were hosted with warmth and energy by Kris Cunningham and Olivia Birchenough. The evening opened with an amazing clarinet performance by two young people from Anthony Gell. Next up was an inspiring performance from Kate Mason, the band, our music teachers, and the Embark Choir. Additional special guests, performers, and presenters included Dave King, Lindsey Smethem, our Headteachers, and our friends of Embark: Giant from Gladiators, Baasit Siddiqui from Gogglebox, World Champion Breaker Kid Karam, Kelvin Clark of Diversity, Kristian Cunningham, the Kristian Thomas Dance Company, Olivia Birchenough from Milkshake!, and Professor Kathryn Mitchell CBE DL, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Derby.
The New Horizon Centre provided the perfect venue for the celebration, with families, staff, and community members coming together to support and cheer on our award winners.
Matt Crawford, Trust Leader of Embark Federation, said:
“Every year I am amazed by the talent, dedication, and heart of our young people. Watching them shine on stage, seeing the pride in their families’ eyes, and recognising the extraordinary achievements they accomplish every day is a reminder of why Embark exists. These young people inspire us all, and I couldn’t be prouder of each and every one of them.”
Most importantly, the night was a celebration of our young people. Their courage, creativity, kindness, and dedication inspire us every day, and we could not be prouder of all they have achieved. From charitable acts to extraordinary personal milestones, our young people continue to make a difference in their schools and communities, living our values in every action.
The Embark Awards 2025 reminded us that our young people are the heart of our federation. Their achievements, big and small, are a testament to their talent, determination, and the supportive communities around them. We look forward to seeing how they will continue to shine and make a positive impact in the years ahead.
