McKenzie went through an extremely challenging time 18 months ago when the hearing in both his ears deteriorated rapidly and he was referred for cochlear implants aged 12. McKenzie had to undergo bilateral eardrum repairs before he could have the surgery and was unable to hear anything at all for several months. McKenzie’s implants were switched on in May of last year and since then he has worked hard to get used to his new way of hearing, which wasn’t easy for him at first. However, he persevered and has made fantastic progress. There has been a marked improvement in his progress at school and this has culminated in his English teacher contacting home recently to say that McKenzie is now top of the class! We are all extremely proud of McKenzie for the resilience and determination he has shown through such a difficult time and now know that he has the ability to succeed in whatever he sets his mind to. Well done, McKenzie! 

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Antonia was presented with Progress in art award at Telford Priory School. She is now looking forward to starting a Health and Social Care course at Telford College. Well done Antonia!

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Maisie recently represented her school in the Telford Schools Cross Country, being placed 40th the 32nd out of around 140 runners. Maisie has also competed in a local girl’s football league, who got through to the finals. Maisie plays in a team of girls one year above where she is and so does very well. Well done Maisie!

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Sion’s continued commitment to his downhill mountain biking has resulted in him being signed into the JRTF Racing Team. They commented that "We have watched Sion and chatted with him and think he’s an awesome fit to our family ethos". Sion will be racing Pearce and Gravity Event races as well as dig projects with the team. Sion has also recently been chosen as a prefect at Lakelands Academy.

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Rhian is in her second year at Telford College, where she has been very successful. She has embraced all aspects of college life: she enjoys the learning and has established positive friendships and working relationships with staff. She has worked hard to assimilate the high level of technical and specialised vocabulary required on the course, particularly the anatomy and physiology aspects, and has also had to combat the communication challenges of working with clients during treatments - she is profoundly deaf and wears two speech processors - but has managed this due to her friendly personality and the ability to engage others to put them at their ease. She is just about to complete Level 3 Beauty Therapy, having already passed Level 2, which means she is qualified in a range of massage and facial therapies, enabling her to work in local salons, resulting in a recent job offer. However she has decided to continue her studies with a two year Level 3 Health and Social Care course this September, as she wants to pursue a career in healthcare. She is an excellent role model and mentor for younger students and a wonderful example of what a determined attitude and a friendly smile can achieve!

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Elliott has been enjoying being part of a local performing arts group called Fusion Film and Stage School. Elliott attends weekly classes on a Saturday and has so far performed in a pantomime and has appeared in a short film as part of the Fusion Film Festival, where parents and children were invited to watch the entries on the big screen at Cineworld Telford. Elliott really enjoys the classes and it has given him a real confidence boost. 

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Eric loves football, training and playing in matches with Bashchurch Juniors. At the end of season presentation Eric was awarded the 'Best Defender Award'. Eric had a successful residential trip to Condover Hall with school, this was a challenge for Eric but he loved it and can’t wait to go again.

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Deepak has just completed his first year, studying Business Management at Keele University. He is now enjoying having some time over the summer to spend at the gym. Well done Deepak! 

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This is what inclusion is all about! Keon at his end of Y11 Prom at Ercall Wood. Congratulations Keon – you look like you are having an amazing time!

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