School Governors celebrated

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council's Executive Councillor for Children and Learning, Councillor Mark Flewitt presented the Governor of the Year Awards 2011, along with award sponsors, Perry Blackshaw of Blackshaw Estates, and David Keddie of The Lawn Estate.  

Councillor Flewitt said: "These awards recognise the contribution that governors make to the life of schools and the future of children.  

"We are very grateful indeed to the Governors who work so hard year by year on behalf of Southend children and Young People."  

The Governor of the Year and recipient of The Blackshaw Award was Sally Butterworth (St Nicholas School).  

Always working to improve all aspects of pupil outcomes, she was described as an invaluable asset to the school.  

The Governing Body Chair of the Year: The Lawn Award; was shared by two winners:

• Pam Dewey (Thorpedene Primary School) for working tirelessly and selflessly on behalf of the school, staff and, most importantly, the pupils.  She has faced tough challenges and risen to extreme pressure and continued to smile whilst carrying an incredibly heavy workload. 
• Jeanette Brown (Eastwood Primary School) for always having time for her fellow governors, parents, staff and children. She has supported the school through a very difficult OFSTED inspection, is committed to leading by example and engendering the confidence of fellow governors.  

A special award was made to Elizabeth (Betty) Mashford, an ex-governor, who had recently stepped down after serving for 19 years as Chair of Governors at Belfairs High School.

She was fundamentally involved in the rebuilding of the school and was described as "always being committed to ensuring equality amongst students."  

Other awards went to:

• Joyce Kipling (Heycroft School), for her considerable contribution to the life of the school during many years of dedicated service;
• Alan Meredith (Belfairs High School), for his contribution to the governing body as a key member over a number of years;
• Pat Rayner (The Renown Centre for Learning), for her long-term commitment to disaffected pupils and her faith in the support being provided by The Centre.  

The award process began in June when nominations were invited.

Winners were later chosen by a panel of judges including educationalists, a politician and other advisers.