Newark College Sponsor Community Champion of the Year Award

On Friday 26th September, Newark and Sherwood District Council hosted the Community and Sports Awards 2025 at The Renaissance at Kelham Hall. Newark College was proud to sponsor the Community Champion of the Year Award.

Second-year Carpentry & Joinery student Isaac joined Team Newark at the event to see his and his classmates’ craftsmanship celebrated as part of the awards ceremony. The students handcrafted each trophy from oak, using laser engraving to etch sponsor logos and the names of the award winners.

Penny Taylor, Head of Newark Campuses, said: "We are always delighted to offer our support where we can. It's an excellent opportunity for students to respond to a live brief, working creatively to a theme while gaining real client experience. It’s even more rewarding for them to attend the evening and see their work recognised. This reflects our college’s purpose - to prepare students to enter the community as highly skilled individuals."

The ceremony was a heartwarming celebration of the inspiring work carried out by people across the district. Among the winners was Maxine Storer, who received the Community Champion of the Year Award, sponsored by Newark College. This award recognises those who selflessly go above and beyond to improve their communities and inspire others to take action.

Despite experiencing immense personal grief after losing her son to suicide nine years ago, Maxine channelled her pain into purpose. She founded SOS – Save Our Stevens, a support group for individuals bereaved by suicide. The group also provides one-to-one counselling sessions, aiming to support others and offer a preventative lifeline.

Today also marks the official launch of Maxine’s new community café, Caromax, which operates from the Cleveland Square Community Centre in Newark. The café will be open on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 9:30am to 3:00pm, offering a welcoming space for connection and support.