Congratulations to Grainger S6 pupil Gemma McGunnigle who shared the amazing news of the completion of her Gold Duke of Edinburgh (DoE) Award.
Gemma will be invited to Buckingham Palace later in the year to receive her well earned award. Gemma has achieved her Bronze Award through Girl Guiding and Silver and Gold through Air Cadets.
To achieve the Gold Award Gemma volunteered for 12 months through the Air Cadets teaching cadets different aspects of the training syllabus. Helping with the uniform stores, social media and events. Gemma has also been selected to represent Scotland & Northern Ireland Air Cadets in Nijmegen in the Netherlands in July.
For the Expedition aspect of DoE Gemma spent 10 days sailing the West Coast of Scotland last summer. The aim of the expedition was to carry out a beach clean on the Isle of Coll. The group were shocked at how much debris was washed up in such a stunning part of Scotland. This resulted in Gemma achieving a RYA Competent Crew Award and an Ocean Youth Trust certificate. Gemma’s involvement in the Mark Scott Leadership Award supported her securing the Gold DoE Award. Well done Gemma. We are going to miss you at VOLA.
Congratulations to Grace Ledgerwood who has received a Saltire Award for 50 hours of volunteering at Lomond School of Dance. Grace has been helping at dance classes for 5 to 7 year old children for the last 3 years. Well done Grace.
By Democrat reporter
Vale of Leven Academy proudly celebrated its annual Education Awards Ceremony, where more than 500 pupils were recognised for a wide range of curricular and extra-curricular successes throughout the session.
Awards were presented for everything from effort and perseverance in class, to high attainment and special recognitions for volunteering both in and out of school. It was a wonderful evening where students and staff came together to reflect on and celebrate the many achievements of our young people.
The support and encouragement shown by fellow pupils to one another on the night was truly heartwarming — a real reflection of our school values in action. 
Head Teacher Matthew Boyle, pictured right, said:”All our students have worked incredibly hard over the past year and our awards highlight the very best of our young people.“We are delighted to celebrate the wide range of skills and behaviours that we see every day within and outwith the school.
“From hard work, volunteering and working to improve our community for everyone, we are delighted to showcase our young people who are great ambassadors for our school. We are very proud of our students and this was a fantastic way for us to show it.”
Certificated pupils celebrate their success at Vale of Leven Academy.
Pupils let their hair down as the school year draws to a close at the Vale of Leven Academy.