Award Holder Story: Jazz

Jazz, aged 16 from Oxfordshire, receveid the Diana Anti-Bullying Award in May 2010.

I performed in ‘David Vs Goliath – The Rock Musical’ and took on the role of Choreographer and a part as one of King Saul’s wives. I worked with extremely talented children who have benefited incredibly from receiving the Diana Award as their confidence has increased. They are also proud to be part of a production and have their hard work recognised. The production has also been considered for adaptation and to be taken onto a West End stage in its new guise of Stand Tall, which is a huge achievement for everyone involved. The musical was my first opportunity to take on the role of choreographer and it has helped me decide that choreography and dancing is the way I would like to take my career. This is confirmed by the response we had from the public and the award co-ordinators. Being young and having little experience receiving the Diana Award has increased my confidence as hard work and effort has been recognised and awarded.

The musical received the Diana Award for its efforts at promoting anti-bullying. A strong moral found throughout the musical that was presented in an interesting way making it easier to present to young people and was personal to some of the performers in it. Having sat in anti-bullying assemblies and knowing how little attention children can pay I think ‘David V Goliath’ tackles the issue well and after receiving the award can be credited with this.

I know I speak on behalf of everyone involved that the Diana Award has benefited us hugely! On a personal level my confidence has grown and the award has confirmed my aspirations and made them feel achievable. On a professional level I know ‘David V Goliath ’ can go on to achieve great things, will benefit from having such an incredible award next to it’s name and will go on to promote its fantastic moral message.