Bench of Remembrance: Honouring a Beloved Student
We were deeply touched to receive the following message from Chellaston Academy, expressing their gratitude shown by our J16 construction staff and students. The handmade bench, created with care and donated to the school, now sits in a memorial garden as a lasting tribute.
“Throughout last year, our Year 11 students at Chellaston Academy did an incredible job, supported fantastically by the dedicated staff at Junction 16. They created bird tables, wishing wells, benches to take home, and much more passing with flying colours in the end. As a school, we were extremely proud of our students, who showed great resilience in the face of adversity.
Sadly, we suffered a devastating blow with the passing of one of our Year 11 students. In response, the students and staff at Junction 16 showed immense kindness and compassion. They donated a bench—handmade by the students—to the school for a memorial garden in honour of their classmate. This space was created to give students a place to reflect and talk about their friend whenever they felt the need. The student’s parents were deeply grateful for this heartfelt gesture.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the students and staff at Junction 16 for their hard work, compassion, and for donating the memorial bench”.
Danny Page, Construction Teacher, Charlotte Weaver
Chellaston School staff, and a Chellaston student
receiving the bench.
