YOUNGSTERS often make the headlines for all the wrong reasons, but at one Suffolk school teachers are ensuring their efforts and successes are applauded.

YOUNGSTERS often make the headlines for all the wrong reasons, but at one Suffolk school teachers are ensuring their efforts and successes are applauded.

Proud parents were thrilled as they gathered to watch their children receive plaudits for their achievements over the past year – in academic subjects, the arts and sports – at a special ceremony.

The annual awards evening at Orwell High School, Felixstowe, also saw youngsters excelling in their community work.

Sixth formers presented £3,000 from charity fundraising to Ipswich Hospital chief executive Paul Forden for a patient-controlled analgesia machine.

The money – the highest amount raised by any sixth form committee – was raised from a variety of fundraising events, including a stay-awake, bad taste days, parties and shows.

Mr Forden said the new machine would make a huge different to people with acute pain, allowing them to be much more in control of their pain.

This year's sixth form charity is Toybox, which helps street children in South America, inspired by a visit during the summer by sixth former Rochelle Livey.

Headteacher Dave Forrest spoke of his pleasure and pride at all the achievements of the students over the past academic year as prizes were presented in each year group, in each subject, for achievement and effort.

He said there were three elements which lead to success for each student – their own efforts and determination, backup and encouragement from parents, and the influence of teachers, with their specialist knowledge and the school's facilities.

The evening also included a trumpet solo performance from Year 11 student Nicola Day, and an item by the dance group Fever who performed to Beauty and the Beast and Copacabana.

Special Awards:

Trophy for Sporting Endeavour: Joseph Rhodes. E Maule Shield –Novice Skier: Thomas Clarke. Young European Award for Most Progress in MFL: Nicholas Boulton. PFA Award for Service to the School: Jonathon Armbruster. George Robinson Memorial Bowl for Music: Nicola Day. A Rodwell Trophy for Most Promising Musician: Aaron Parker. W J Rowland Trophy for Drama: Lisa Curtis. Drama Achievement Trophy: Murray Collins. BT Young Scientist: Samantha Whyte. Year Eight Challenge Award: Shane Hussey. Carpentry Student of the Year – Suffolk College: Dempsey Ryan. Don Smith Award for services to the community: Karly Powell. BT Exact Technologies Award Progress Award: Michelle Phillips. Ensors Award for Mathematics: Jamie Thompson. Community Award: Ruth Farthing. R K Whitworth Award for Business and Enterprise: Kimberley Barnacle. George Girling Award for Geography: Rebecca Kingston. Sixth Form Service Award: Rebecca Fox. Technology Award: Daniel Markham. Trinity Award for Excellence: Rebecca Kingston. Trinity Award for Excellence: Hollie Ruffles.