James Dolan, who wants to become an actor or presenter, has spoken of his delight after being chosen as one of the hosts of the prestigious education awards ceremony.
The 14-year-old has been announced as one of the three presenters of Suffolk County Council’s Raising the Bar Awards this year.
The event celebrates the local education heroes of 2017, such as teachers and students, and takes place at Trinity Park on June 26.
The youngster said: “I wanted to be a co-presenter for two reasons. Firstly, I feel the Raising the Bar Awards are very important in being able to improve and cherish Suffolk education.
“Secondly I felt the experience would allow me to further my acting and presenting ability. This is very important to me as I hope to have a career in this field.
“If I could sum up my feelings on being given the opportunity to be part of the Raising the Bar Awards in two words, it would be excited and grateful.
“I am excited because this allows me to be part of a really important celebration. As well as this, I am excited because the experience I will gain from working with Terry Baxter cannot be underestimated.
“I am grateful that the judges have given me a fantastic opportunity that I’m really looking forward to.”
He will be joined and mentored over the coming weeks by experienced host Terry Baxter, as well as Elsa Cooney, a student at Farlingaye High School in Woodbridge, and Suffolk student Grace Hill.
All three were successful after initially applying and a subsequent round of auditions at West Suffolk College.
Elsa said: “I cannot describe how immensely excited I am for the upcoming ceremony.
“I feel a massive sense of a pride and honour to have been selected for the role and I’m already counting down the days. I just can’t wait.”
Judith Mobbs, assistant director for children and young people at Suffolk County Council said: “We are thrilled with the young presenters who have been chosen to co-host this year’s awards.
“We saw a real showcase of talent at the auditions last month and we know they will do a fantastic job presenting alongside Terry Baxter.”
Stradbroke High School students will also perform songs from The Sound of Music.
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