TOP students from a national charity were honoured recently at an awards ceremony held in the Charter Hall, Okehampton. The Gilead Foundations is a national charity situated at Risdon Farm, near Okehampton, that was established in 1988, Its mission statement reads, 'unlocking people...releasing potential'. It operates as a rehabilitation centre that offers a range of support services for people with life- controlling addictions, relating mainly to alcohol abuse, homelessness and other addictions. The awards evening recognises those students who have achieved the most during the past year. The majority of students have overcome major personal obstacles to accomplish these achievements. The guests at the awards evening, held in a packed Charter Hall, included the mayor and mayoress of Okehampton, Tony and Sue Leech, West Devon Borough Councillor, Ken Williams, and Devon County Councillor, Christine Marsh. A three-course meal, prepared by the students, was served to the guests, who also listened to presentations throughout the evening that outlined the Gilead Foundations' work. Gilead Foundations now operates an Addiction Counselling School (ACTS), a course that is available to anyone who wishes to know more about addiction counselling. Alongside this, some students at Gilead are now involved with the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme while Ian Samuel, founder of Gilead Foundations, explained that the working farm is now registered to sell organic milk. The milk is currently being delivered to homes in Okehampton and it is hoped this scheme will help assist with much needed finance. The evening concluded with Chris Cole, UK regional director of GOD TV and Gilead trustee, highlighting the current situation relating to drug addiction in the UK and the financial needs of Gilead. The winners of the awards were: Top Overall Student, Paul Bird; Tractor Driving Skill Award, Paul Bird; Workshop Award, Jesse Fidelack; Herdsperson Award, Pamela White; Stockman Award, Tyron Baynes; Milk Retail Award, Gary Cochrane; Catering and Domestics, Harriet Jefferies; School Award, Natalie Harmony; Administration Award, Sarah Martin; Centre Maintenance Award, Ed Boast; Butchery Award, Amy Scrivens, and ACTS Programme Award, Marco Rayos.
