HIGH-ACHIEVING students have been rewarded for their commitment to work both in and out of their school.

The Governors' Award recognises the achievements and talents of students at Thomas Alleyne's High School, in Uttoxeter.

The criteria for nominations were national or country representation in sports, music or drama, having a national ranking of 10 or better, winning a national team event or a county individual event, extended commitment to the school or the community and overcoming severe personal difficulties.

Anyone with any connection to any of the pupils could submit a nomination.

The following list of students were selected by the Governors to receive an award:

Carly Atkinson, aged 14, who won two gold medals and one silver at the World Taekwondo Championships, in South America;

Allie Bryan, aged 18, who has made an outstanding contribution to school netball and netball in the community. She is regarded as an excellent role model in all walks of school life;

Lydia Dawson, aged 15, who has made an outstanding contribution to school sport. She has represented the school and house in football, netball, hockey, athletics and rounders and even cross country when the need has arisen;

Alice Higgins, aged 15, who is a highly musically talented member of the school community and her contribution to the performing arts has been exemplary;

Blake Sherlock, aged 15, who has shown maturity beyond his years and has generously given his time for numerous charity and voluntary events. He played a key role collecting money for the Chernobyl Charity out of school hours and has shown determination in several community garden projects;

Rosie Smith, aged 17, who has worked as a volunteer at Uttoxeter Gateway Club, a social club for adults with learning difficulties for over a year. She is cheerful, resourceful and a real asset to the club;

Emma Worley, aged 15, who has been an excellent school athletics captain. She has helped to organise teams and led by example. She was selected to represent Staffordshire Moorlands at the community championships and was successful in becoming the county high jump champion.

Emma, who lives at Woodlands Rise, Draycott-in-the-Clay, excels on the running track, where she has clocked 13.4 seconds in the 100 metres and 28.9 seconds in the 200 metres.

She is also a high jumper having conquered 1.5 metres.

She said: "I didn't really know what the award was about because it's quite new.

"I was pleased and excited that I was one of the few to receive the award," added Emma, who is studying for her GCSEs.

Rosie Smith, of Okeover Close, Uttoxeter, said she became involved with Uttoxeter Gateway Club in August 2008 as a result of her brother, Sam, aged 19, using the services.

She helps with the running of the club, which organises a variety of events for people with special needs.

She said: "I was surprised to receive the award. I really enjoy working with the Gateway Club."

Rosie, who has another brother, Joseph, aged 14, who is also a pupil at Thomas Alleyne's, is studying A-levels in history, geography and English literature and she is hoping to be an archaeologist.

Suzanne O'Farrell is headteacher at the school, which has around 1,350 pupils.

She said: "It was great to celebrate the achievement of these individuals.

"But there are still many young people out there doing good work that we at the school don't know about.

"This is an annual event, so if anyone knows of any Thomas Alleyne's pupils who are delivering above and beyond, then please contact the school and ask for a nomination form for next year."

A spokesman for the governors said: "The award recognises the exceptionally high achievement and talents of some of Thomas Alleyne's students both in school and out of school."