Havant Academy student Anna Tapper has had an unforgettable 2014 winning the Derek Lamont Rotary Young Person of the Year Award for excelling at Sports Acrobatic Gymnastics and academically with outstanding GCSE results.
Anna,16, had a hectic schedule but managed to do gymnastics training six days a week and three days of coaching together with her GCSE studies. Anna’s dedication has enabled her to compete in international gymnastics competitions and her efforts have been recognised with the 2014 Young Person of the Year Award.
“I didn’t know anything about it (the nomination) as Ms. Hayes put me forward,†explained Anna. “I was shocked and delighted when I found out I had won the award.
“My parents persuaded me to do gymnastics when I was about seven and I didn’t want to stop as I enjoyed it so much. I guess they saw potential in me.â€
Havant Academy produced its best ever results and Anna was a key part in that, achieving 13 GCSEs A*-C including 7 A* grades. She now plans to continue her studies at Havant College and follow her passion for gymnastics.
Asked on her long term ambitions, Anna replied: “It would be nice to be involved in coaching (gymnastics) and judging competitions.â€
Havant Academy Year 9 student Leah Harding is only 14 but her passion and talent for sailing are already apparent and she had the honour of being selected to be part of the Ocean Youth Trust South Voyage.
Leah sailed to Poole, the Isle of Wight, Lymington, Gosport and Southampton in high seas to complete the five-day voyage, from 5th-10th May 2014, and enjoyed the experience so much that she is already planning to do the same voyage next year.
“Last year I was selected for sailing on a small boat and this year I was chosen for the big boat on the Ocean Youth Trust South Voyage,†explained Leah.
“It was five nights in total. The weather conditions were fine. There were some rough seas but that is good for sailing!
“I will do the same voyage next year. It is a good chance to meet new people and I have lots of friends on the boat.â€
The school holidays provide Leah with time to follow her passion for sailing and she harbours hopes of one day becoming a ‘bosun’ – the Senior Deckhand who is able to take on extra responsibilities.