Two caretakers at Stokesley School and Sixth Form College have gone to the top of the class after being honoured at a prestigious educational awards ceremony.
Dave Harston and Ollie Williams scooped the award for outstanding non-teaching team in a secondary setting at the North Yorkshire County Council Teaching Awards, hosted at a glittering ceremony at Thirsk Racecourse.
Ollie has been a caretaker at Stokesley School for seven years, working in partnership with Dave who has clocked up almost thirty years of service. They are highly regarded by staff and students, regularly going the extra mile to ensure the school day runs smoothly.
The duo were nominated by Hannah Millett, Headteacher, who said: “When the site manager began a period of long term sick some months ago, Ollie and Dave stepped up to the mark without being asked, covering the site manager’s work as well as their own, cancelling holidays to ensure there was always cover in school. For Dave and Ollie the school comes first and they do this for no acclaim; simply to get the job done. On top of all of this, Ollie became a dad for the second time very recently and has a little baby at home. You cannot fault their dedication which makes them so deserving of this award.”
Dave and Ollie are an integral part of the support network for staff, students and visitors to the school, who recognise their value both during school time and also at after-school events throughout the year. Hannah Millett accepted the award on their behalf as they were unable to attend the ceremony as Dave was working and Ollie was at a football match with his son.
Dave and Ollie were overjoyed to be presented with the award and Ollie commented: “We have never won anything before and we are just really delighted.”