Barclays Wealth is pleased to announce its sponsorship of the Student of the Year 2010 awards. Each year, students from the Island’s six secondary schools are put through their paces to identify and reward the top all-round students from each school. In 2009 a more inclusive approach was taken to the awards, which resulted in the creation of five categories: Citizenship, the Arts, Academic, Sports and Endeavour. This new approach, initiated by Barclays Wealth, brings the awards in line with the company’s belief in diversity; by involving and recognising more students in different areas of achievement. The increase in the award categories has resulted in even more entries for the judges to consider this year, and over the past two weeks the judges have been visiting all six secondary schools: King Williams College, QE11, Castle Rushen, Ramsey Grammar, Ballakermeen and St Ninian’s. The judging panel consists of Barclays Wealth staff members Stuart Nelson, Head of Corporate; Andy Booth, Head of Local Markets and Jay Edwards and Steph Morrell, Business Relationship Managers. Altogether, the judges have assessed 28 pupils for the five prizes, and enjoyed the experience. Stuart Nelson said: ‘The quality of the candidates has been exceptional again this year, which has made the judging process really uplifting for the panel. However, these high standards have also meant that it has been very challenging, as all of the entrants would be worthy of an award. After much discussion, we were able to come to a decision on the winners of the five categories, who are all outstanding in their field.’ The prize giving ceremony will be taking place on the 9th November at the Ballakermeen lecture theatre, and each of the 28 pupils together with their family and supporting teachers are invited to attend. Managing Director of Barclays Wealth, Greg Ellison will be presenting the prizes along with Minister for Education and Children, Eddie Teare MHK. All entrants will receive vouchers and certificates of Achievement, and the five winners in each of the categories will be lucky enough to go on an all-expenses-paid weekend away to Dusseldorf. They will spend time at the Christmas markets as well as exploring all that the city has to offer. Steph Morrell added: ‘With high levels of competition to get into their chosen University, or alternative further education programme, the pupils indicated during our visits to their schools that the certificates of achievement will be particularly valuable to them. It will be great to see all the students again at the awards ceremony, it was inspirational to see so many young people deserving of these awards.’ Eddie Teare MHK, Minister for Education and Children said: ‘We are delighted that Barclays Wealth has once again agreed to sponsor the Student of the Year awards for 2010. These awards give our talented pupils the opportunity to benchmark their achievements against other schools and drive them to achieve in the future. I am very much looking forward to meeting the finalists at the awards ceremony in November.’ ENDS