Unsung Hero Award for “exceptional leader with unwavering commitment”

Thirteen outstanding winners have been honoured as part of this year’s Warrington Guardian Education Awards.

The annual awards aim to celebrate schools, nurseries and colleges across the town, championing pupils and students, teachers and assistants, and classes and teams.

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All the worthy winners of the Warrington Guardian Education Awards

He has dedicated the past seven years of his life to spearheading the Combined Cadet Force at UTC Warrington, willingly sacrificing his own time to provide life-changing opportunities to young individuals who might not receive these experiences.

The nomination for David to receive one of the Warrington Guardian Education Awards said he generously devotes afternoons to conducting sessions for the students, beyond the confines of regular school hours, imparting valuable knowledge and skills.

This dedication extends into the weekends when David organises camps across the UK allowing students to enhance their leadership abilities and foster a strong sense of teamwork.

WATCH DAVID RECEIVE HIS AWARD:

The nomination said: “These qualities will undoubtedly serve them well as these students navigate the next stages of their educational journey and embark on future careers.

“It is evident that the experiences and opportunities provided by the UTC Warrington cadets, under David's facilitation, have played an instrumental role in shaping the career paths of several students who have gone on to serve in the armed forces.

“Additionally, David has displayed remarkable coordination skills by organising numerous acts of charity through the UTC Warrington cadets.

“Notably, their collective efforts have raised an impressive £8,920 for the Poppy Appeal, achieved through various initiatives such as bag packing at local supermarkets and engaging in collections within the local community.

“David's commitment to instilling a sense of social responsibility and fostering a spirit of giving back to society is truly commendable.”

David is preparing to retire from role at UTC Warrington this year but he plans to continue running cadet activities after school and at weekends, demonstrating his dedication to the students and wider school community.

Unsung Hero David Beggs (centre) with Chris Gee, associate assistant principal at UTC Warrington (left) and Heidi Summerfield, Community Content Editor at the Warrington Guardian (Image: Dave Gillespie)

The nomination added: “This unwavering commitment and going above and beyond the call of duty exemplify the exceptional qualities that make David a truly deserving candidate for this award.

“It is with great pleasure that I wholeheartedly nominate David for this well-deserved recognition.

“His profound impact on the lives of the students at UTC Warrington, his tireless devotion to their growth and development, and his exemplary leadership qualities make him an outstanding individual worthy of commendation.”

UTC Principal Chris Hatherall said: "Dave has led and developed the UTC CCF from it's inception. 

"With more than 40 years of work with the army, he has led and passed on his wisdom of life to the cadets and for some has been a father figure, role model and mentor.

"Firm but fair, Dave has taught the cadets so many life skills and raised their own confidence in order to face challenges the world may throw at them. 

"Dave has also led the CCF in rasing thousands of pounds each year in support of the Royal British Legion.  

"The hours he spends behind the scenes making things happen truly shows the character of the man."