Diocese of Brentwood honours students for Resilience, Service and Compassion

Michael Saad
Jul 13th, 2026

Headteacher Chris McCormack with award winners: Abdul Majid, Reuben, and Luginton

Three students from St Bonaventure's School in East Ham have been recognised in front of an audience of more than 300 pupils at the 2026 Brentwood Catholic Schools Good Citizenship Awards, held at the Cathedral Church of St Mary & St Helen in Essex.

The awards were presented by The Rt Rev Bishop Alan Williams SM, Bishop of Brentwood, in recognition of students who demonstrate outstanding citizenship, compassion and service.

This year's recipients, Abdul Majid (Year 9), Luginton (Year 10) and Reuben (Year 12), each exemplify the values of kindness, resilience and selfless service through their contributions to school life, their local communities and the wider Catholic community.

Abdul Majid was an exemplary Bonaventurian throughout this academic year, demonstrating faith, service and compassion, fully embracing the school's ethos.

Through his Laudato Si' advocacy and dedication at CAFOD Family Fast Days, where he serves others while fasting himself, he embodies Catholic values and social teaching.

Luginton is a valued role model in school and parish life. He mentors younger students, helping them grow in confidence and faith, and patiently guides Altar Servers, demonstrating compassion, humility, responsibility and dedication. Despite personal challenges, Reuben shows resilience, courage and faith daily, arriving at school with positivity and hope. He contributes across school life, including Student Leadership and chairing the Newham Mayoral Accountability Assembly, while serving and inspiring others with compassion, humility and Christ-like example.

The St Bonaventure's community is delighted to celebrate the achievements of Abdul Majid, Luginton and Reuben. Although each student has made a unique contribution, they are united by their commitment to serving others, demonstrating resilience in the face of challenges, and living out the values at the heart of the school's mission, 'Live, Love, and Learn in the Presence of the Lord.' Their recognition is a testament not only

to their individual character but also to the positive impact they have on those around them, both within the school community and beyond.

Headteacher Chris McCormack said: "We are incredibly proud of Abdul Majid, Luginton and Reuben on receiving this well-deserved recognition. Each of these young men embodies the values that define our school community through their kindness and willingness to serve others. They lead by example, inspiring their peers through everyday actions that often go unnoticed but make a lasting difference. These awards recognise not only their individual achievements but also their commitment to living out our Catholic values, and they are thoroughly deserving recipients of this honour."

Brentwood Catholic Schools Good Citizenship Awards

Catholic schools within the Diocese of Brentwood are invited to nominate pupils who have displayed outstanding awareness of good citizenship. Examples of previous award recipients include: Saving a life; Protecting an individual from injury or harm; Courage in the face of adversity; Resilience in battling illness; Bravery and peace in coping with the loss of a parent or sibling; Extraordinary care and kindness.

Recipients are presented with an award in St Helen's Cathedral, Brentwood, by Bishop Alan Williams, Bishop of Brentwood. The initiative was inspired by Lord Alton, a former pupil of this Diocese, and supported strongly by the Brentwood Religious Education Service to encourage schools to respond to Government requirements that Citizenship be included in the curriculum.

St Bonaventure's is a voluntary-aided Catholic Secondary School in Forest Gate for boys aged 11-16 and for boys and girls aged 16-18 in the Sixth Form. For more information visit - www.stbons.org