Inspirational children celebrated for their outstanding achievements

The efforts of some of the most inspirational young people in Royal Greenwich were celebrated at the 26th annual Do The Right Thing, Young Citizen of the Year Awards, held on 3rd October 2025 at Woolwich Town Hall.   

Awards were presented to nominees that had demonstrated exceptional behaviour in categories including : Bravery, Community Role Model, Young Carer/Family Supporter, Personal Achievement to Learning, Resilience and Positivity, Overcoming Barriers, Inspiration to Others, Service and Engagement with the Community and The Shea French-Gibbens young person with Special Educational Needs or Disability (SEND) Award.    

The awards ceremony paid tribute to the winners and runners up, and also recognised families, schools, social workers, youth workers and many more council staff who had nominated them and who provide crucial support.    

Judges were inundated with worthy nominees and picking a winner was a tough task, all are a credit to their school and community.   

The event was opened by the Leader of the council, councillor Anthony Okereke and winners and runners-up were honoured with certificates by councillor Linda Bird, Mayor of Royal Greenwich, along with Marc Walter from The Canary Wharf Contractors Fund.   

Cllr Okereke said: “These students show exactly what it means to Be Great in Greenwich. Their hard work and dedication to their studies is unbelievable, and it was an honour to meet them and hear their stories. Every nominee should be extremely proud of themselves, as I’m sure their families and schools are. Applications are now open for secondary school places for next September, and as these incredible young people show, you don’t have to go far to be Great in Greenwich.”  

Cllr Bird added: “What an achievement it is to be recognised by your school for going above and beyond in the face of real challenges. This group – winners and nominees – are exemplary role models and show that the next generation are going to go on to do big things. I’m so proud that their journey started in Greenwich!”  

The 16 winners and 13 runners up included children and young people from Break Through School, Cherry Orchard Primary School, Christ Church CofE Primary School Shooters Hill, Ealdham Primary School, Eltham Hill School, Halstow Primary School, Harris Academy Greenwich, Leigh Stationers’ Academy, Middle Park Primary School, Millennium Primary School, Montbelle Primary School, Our Lady of Grace Catholic Primary School, RBG Virtual School, Royal Greenwich Trust School, South Rise Primary School, St Margaret's Church of England Primary School, The John Roan School and ACE Groups with special mention to Kings Park, Willow Dene Primary School and Willow Dene Secondary School.   

Those in attendance were treated to outstanding performances by Sherington Primary School Choir and South Rise School Choir.   

The event was sponsored by The Canary Wharf Contractors Fund, who are valued long-standing supporters of the Awards.  Canary Wharf Contractors Fund supports people, communities and organisations local to the Canary Wharf Estate.