A garden party at Buckingham Palace was the setting for a celebration for two gold award students.
Imogen Allerton, a current Level 3 Public and Protective Services student at Lynn’s College of West Anglia, and former student George Gorringe, attended the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award celebration event alongside the college’s DofE award manager John Felmingham.
The celebration recognised the achievements of young people who have successfully completed gold – the highest level of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
Guests explored the palace grounds and heard from speakers and special guests. The celebration was hosted by Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, who is patron of the awards and it brought together thousands of gold holders from across the country to recognise their dedication, resilience and commitment.
The gold award is widely regarded as one of the most challenging and rewarding youth achievement programmes in the UK.
Participants complete volunteering, physical and skills-based activities, undertake a residential experience and complete an expedition – developing valuable life skills alongside their studies.
Mr Felmingham, who is also CWA course director for Public and Protective Services, said: “It was a privilege to attend the Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award celebration at Buckingham Palace alongside Imogen and George and to see their achievements recognised on a national stage.
“Completing a Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award requires an exceptional level of commitment, resilience and determination over an extended period of time. Both students have embraced every challenge the programme has presented and should be incredibly proud of what they have accomplished.
“Experiences such as this demonstrate the lasting impact of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, helping young people develop confidence, leadership skills and a sense of adventure that will benefit them throughout their lives and future careers.
“Seeing our students represent the college at such a prestigious event was a proud moment for everyone involved.”