Students from Shropshire Academy Trust celebrate cultural identity and community involvement at special event
Students from a Shropshire Academy Trust came together to celebrate cultural identity and the community around them at a special event.
The Theatre Severn in Shrewsbury was the setting for the gathering of 100 students from 10 schools across the Marches Academy Trust, united under the theme of “ONEVoice - Belonging in the World.”
The event brought together students, educators, and business leaders to explore how young people can take a proactive role in their communities, celebrating both cultural identity and community involvement.
It was a day full of creativity, workshops, and keynote speeches and carried a message of young people having the power to shape their communities and define their own identities.
Niki McGarvey, who leads the Personal Development and Student Voice initiative at Marches Academy Trust, emphasised the importance of giving students a voice.
She said: "ONEVoice is about providing a platform for young people to develop meaningful projects.
"These projects not only impact their schools but also the broader community.
"It was truly inspiring to witness the ambition and creativity these students brought to the table."
The day focused on two main themes: cultural identity and community involvement, with the students engaging in interactive workshops designed to encourage them to think deeply about their place in the world and their responsibility to their communities.
The event featured two keynote speakers - Heather Noble from SALT Solutions and Ruth Martin, owner of Martin & Jones Marketing Consultancy and Trustee of the Shropshire Community Foundation.
Ms McGarvey said: "Both Heather and Ruth seamlessly connected their areas of expertise, weaving a beautiful fabric of ideas that left students motivated and eager to make a difference."
Ruth Martin said: "What one person does can ripple out to affect everyone around them. The students really connected with that message, and their passion for making a difference was palpable."
Heather Noble, speaking on cultural identity, encouraged students to find their place within their communities.
She said: "Whether you have a narrow range of knowledge or big, blue-sky ideas, we need it all."
The day was the beginning of a programme of work which will see the students take their initial ideas back to their schools and develop them into full-fledged projects over the next year.
Through a series of online meetings and workshops, they will receive ongoing support and in July, the students will showcase the results of their work.
