Throughout the last seven decades, members of the Shiplake community have been making us proud with their exceptional achievements in both their public and personal lives. We would like to recognise those inspirational Old Vikings who have made an outstanding contribution and are thrilled to build on last year's successful inaugural OVOTY 2022 awards, with nominations now open for the Old Viking of the Year 2023 Awards.
In order to win one of these prestigious awards, the recipient will have demonstrated notable achievements or excellence in their profession or voluntary work, over the past 12 months (2023). They will have acted as an outstanding role model for Shiplake’s alumni and pupil community, and have personified Shiplake College’s core values, the 3Is: ‘Inclusive, Individual, and Inspirational’.
Whilst nominations are anticipated to come under one of five categories, the criteria for nominations is broad. We would like to see entries from across all sectors including business, sport, science, the arts and sustainability, to name just a few. All we ask is that the nominations show a clear demonstration of someone who has excelled or made a major contribution during 2023.
Award Categories
Charity or Community Champion
This award could go to an Old Viking who has helped with a charity or good cause whether through fundraising or volunteering time. Or someone who has made exceptional contributions to a community (in the UK or abroad), through giving up their time for a community group, charity, school or sports club. Perhaps the nominee has achieved an act of heroism? Or perhaps they deserve a nomination for outstanding dedication to the care and/or development of others.
Ones to Watch (OVs Under 30)
This award is open to recent Old Vikings aged under 30 years old, as well as current Year 13 pupils, who are in the early stages of their career or area of talent and showing promising signs for the future. This could shine a spotlight on a young entrepreneur or someone on course for stardom or success in an area such as sport or the creative arts.
Arts and Media
This award will recognise Old Vikings who are working in or involved in arts and culture. Nominees may be demonstrating ingenuity, influence or creativity in areas such as art, drama, design, media (including YouTube and social media), video, TV, and music.
Sporting Achievement
This award is for Old Vikings who are demonstrating achievement or contributing to any sport, at a local, national or international level.
Business and Industry
This award aims to recognise alumni who are initiating and contributing to new ideas, solutions and business opportunities, or achieving entrepreneurial excellence, demonstrating growth, impact or commercial success. This could be within any industry sector.
About the Awards
The Headmaster, Mr Tyrone Howe, says: "We are excited to build on the success of our Old Viking of the Year Awards, which are a demonstration of our pride in the wider members of the Shiplake community, as well as showing our current Shiplake pupils and Old Vikings that we value their contribution to society as highly as their career goals and other aspirations. I'm really looking forward to receiving the nominations."
Shortlisted nominees and winners will be chosen by a panel consisting of OVS committee members and the Shiplake College Senior Leadership Team. Winners will be announced in at the end of the Summer Term.
How to Nominate
If you know an inspirational Old Viking who has made an outstanding contribution over the last twelve months, nominating them for the Old Viking of the Year Awards is the perfect way to recognise those who have demonstrated notable achievements or excellence in their profession or voluntary work in 2023.
Anyone (former and current pupils, staff and parents as well as employers/charities etc) can nominate an Old Viking for the award. Self-nominations are also accepted. You can nominate more than one Old Viking.
Nominations are made with a description of between 100-500 words, giving examples to highlight the reason why they should win the award. Words from the nomination may be used in future promotion of the awards or as part of information relating to short-listed or winning Old Vikings. Nominations are made online by following the link below.
The deadline for entries is Wednesday 27 March 2024.
If you have any questions about the awards please contact Natalie Spearing, Alumni and Events Officer, at [email protected].
