Celebrating its tenth year and in true media style, the winners of the Young Reporter Scheme 2018 attended the annual Award Ceremony event on Thursday June 28. 

The awards were celebrated at the Newsquest offices in Quadrant House, Sutton, where following the ceremony a buffet was enjoyed by the winners, their families and representatives from their schools.

Sarah Healey, the Careers Coordinator from the Hollyfield School in Surbition  and whose school was a winner for the first time, said: “Taking part in the Young Reporter Scheme has been a great opportunity for the students that took part to have a real work experience of being a reporter.

“I am delighted that one of our students was a winner at the end of the process, Calum wants to be a journalist in the future and this has certainly given him the hands on experience to help him on his way.” 

There were thirty-three awards in total, presented to students from Years 10 through to 13 and two students were presented with the Top Reporter Award from each category.

Katherine Walsh from St. Philomena’s was the overall winner in the Year 12/13 group, picking up the Best Breaking News award as well as the award for Top Reporter.  She said:  "It was a real honour to win the best reporter of the year award for years twelve and thirteen.

“It came as a complete shock and I am very grateful to the Young Reporter Scheme for giving me a new found confidence in myself."

The other top reporter, awarded in the Year 10/11 group, was Charlotte Henley Castleden, who won the Extra Mile Category together with the Top Reporter award.  She said:  The Young Reporter scheme is an incredible opportunity, and having the chance to take part has been amazing. Winning the Best Reporter for years 10/11 was absolutely incredible.

“I’ve loved every minute of it. Journalism is something I would definitely love to do, and winning this has really given me the confidence to reach for my dream.  it has truly been the most fantastic experience.” 

This year the scheme was extended into East and West Sussex schools and they quickly endorsed it producing two winners. 

Megan Green from Millais in Horsham and Ioana Staicu from Oriel High School in Crawley won prizes in three of the five categories, which was impressive as it was the first time these schools have been involved.

The scheme will start up again in September at the beginning of the academic year and run through to April 2019. 

Thomas Newman from Notre Dame, whose student Darya Vandromme was a runner up in the photograph category added: "The Young Reporter Scheme is a fantastic in road for many of our girls who are considering their future careers, not only in Journalism but other areas.

“It is well organised and the no nonsense approach to deadlines and expectations is a brilliant reality check as they prepare for University and beyond" 

If you interested in joining our team of Young Reporters for 2018/19, then please email djarvis@london.newsquest.co.uk for more information.