As part of its commitment to the community, as set out in the school’s 600th anniversary 2023 charter, the Royal Latin School staged its ‘Extraordinary People Awards’, for the third year, on 8th October 2025. The 2025 awards sought to reflect the Royal Latin values and virtues of Leadership & Integrity, Aspiration & Resilience, Teamwork & Respect, Innovation & Courage and Nurturing & Compassion, and aimed to recognise those in our community who have demonstrated extraordinary qualities in their efforts to overcome challenges and help others. Recipients were chosen by judges from our school management team and senior community volunteers.
As well as receiving their awards and certificates, winners have also been able to choose a cause to benefit from a share of donations from a Royal Latin non-uniform day, taking place on Friday, 10th October.
The award presentations were hosted by Headteacher Ian Chislett and Assistant Headteachers, Sally Kay and George West, with the awards presented by Buckingham Town Mayor, Fran Davies. Congratulations to all of the deserving winners.
Why Chris was nominated
Chris took on the role of Chairman of Buckingham and Stowe Running Club in 2013 when the club had just 30 members. Through tireless dedication and vision, he has overseen its growth to over 200 members, elevating the club’s status within the regional running scene. This was achieved by putting in place strong governance, leadership and principles of inclusivity to make the club a strong part of a vibrant local community. Chris was a key driver of the introduction of the club organising its own race, The Buckingham Half Marathon in 2017. This allowed the club to give something back to the running and local community, with the race raising over £30,000 for local charities over the last 8 years. In addition to his work with the Running Club, Chris played a major role in the development of Buckingham Parkrun which began in 2014. Over 500 events later, Buckingham Parkrun regularly attracts over 300 participants every Saturday morning, bringing visitors from across the country (and world), further enhancing the health and wellbeing of the people of Buckingham. Chris also qualified to become a running coach and regularly gave up his free time to coach weekly sessions to support club members improve their speed and fitness.
Chosen charity or organisation: Buckingham and Stowe Running Club
B&SRC is a friendly club with over 200 members of all abilities from outright beginners who have just taken up running to those who run many marathons and ultras a year.
Why Linda was nominated
Linda is the long-serving secretary of Buckingham Football Club Youth (formerly Moretonville Junior Football Club) and a dedicated volunteer whose involvement dates back to the late 1980s. She oversees the day-to-day running of the club, supports coaches and parents, and leads on key initiatives including community events, inclusion programmes and club development. Her leadership, organisational skills, and unwavering commitment make her central to everything the club does. Linda doesn’t just carry out a role; she inspires others to believe in what’s possible. Whether it’s through mentoring new volunteers, supporting anxious parents, or celebrating a young player’s first goal, she brings encouragement, belief, and heart to everything she does. In the face of every challenge, Linda responds not with frustration, but with action. That quiet resilience, coupled with her vision for a better club and community, is what makes her so deserving of recognition. She is not just extraordinary – she lifts everyone around her to be better too.
Chosen charity or organisation: Buckingham Football Club Youth
Buckingham FC Youth is proud to be at the heart of youth football in Buckingham, providing a safe, fun and supportive environment for girls and boys from 5–18 to develop both on and off the pitch.
Why Rachel was nominated
Rachel has been involved with the PTAs at four schools over the past 12 years or so – East Claydon School, Twyford School, Sir Thomas Fremantle and the Royal Latin School. When East Claydon School, a small infant school, was at risk of closing, she became the PTA Chair and led the fundraising in support of keeping the school open. She was the driving force behind the £60–70k raised, through countless events including beer festivals, race nights, pamper nights and fashion shows, to name just a few. At Twyford School Rachel brought new ideas and inspiration to the PTA and likewise to a new start-up Friends Association group at Sir Thomas Fremantle School. Rachel has been chair of the Friends of the Royal Latin School (FRLS) for five years, and on the committee for even longer. She has led the team of volunteers to arrange a number of events and raise significant funds for the school. The events arranged by FRLS have brought the community together, and have enabled parents to feel a deeper connection to the school. Rachel has given countless hours coordinating groups, liaising with volunteers and having a strategic approach to the FRLS aims. Across everything Rachel has achieved with the various PTAs, she’s likely helped raise around £150,000 and has brought communities together through her efforts.
Chosen charity or organisation: Friends of the Royal Latin School
FRLS is a team of volunteer parents, carers and staff, who organise social events throughout the year so that the school community can get to know each other in a more relaxed atmosphere whilst raising funds at the same time.
Why Tony was nominated
Tony set up Buckingham’s ‘Men’s Walk and Talk group’ in 2021 to encourage men to not only get out and exercise, but also to talk to each other while doing so. Whilst still leading this group, he has taken on an even bigger challenge, leading ‘Couch to 5k’ groups, meeting in Bourton Park. He has led 12 of these so far, and turns up for the weekly runs and the training sessions in between those runs. Recently, he led two groups, one running in the morning and one in the evening, despite having seriously injured his back. Each group attracts around 20 people, all keen to have Tony help them battle through to running fitness. Tony asks only for a charity donation, despite all the time he has puts into this, which includes taking an official qualification as a running coach. Tony has recently been elected to the Buckingham Council, typical of the man who wants to help everyone in any way that he can.
Chosen charity or organisation: Helen & Douglas House
Helen & Douglas House is a welcoming place for local children, living with life-limiting and terminal conditions, and their families. They provide care in a warm, loving environment.
Why Elle was nominated
Elle has volunteered for Young Carers in Buckingham for many years but over the last few years has taken on a leadership role within the organisation. This includes organising the monthly club nights, managing a team of volunteers, communication with parents, managing welfare and safeguarding, organising trips for the young people and offering support for all the families. On top of this, Elle offers respite care for some of the young people taking them to different events and places to gain new experiences. Elle is always available for the community of Young Carer families who view her as a person with no judgement but only support. They will reach out to her in times of need and she will be there for them in any way she can without question. Elle’s enthusiasm makes her a truly inspirational leader for the other volunteers. All of this amazing work is done on a voluntary basis on top of her job at Furzedown School in Winslow where she also makes an incredible contribution to all the students there.
Chosen charity or organisation: YC2 Young Carers Group
YC2 aims to provide services that improve the quality of life and opportunities for young carers in Buckingham and the local area, by offering a solid network for fun, friendship, emotional support, advice and personal development.
Why Max was nominated
Max is an exceptional young person whose actions consistently reflect deep compassion, and a strong commitment to supporting others. Every Sunday, Max volunteers at Clarendon House Care Home on the dementia wing, where he leads a board games club for residents, demonstrating extraordinary patience, kindness, and humour. Max also gives his time every Saturday morning to teach Thai kickboxing to children under 10 at Total Dojo in Bletchley, including those with special educational needs. Alongside his volunteering, Max is a committed member of the RAF Air Cadets in Buckingham. He proudly represented the cadets and his school at the RLS School Remembrance Service, attending in uniform and volunteering at the veterans’ tea afterwards. Whether he’s leading activities in a care home, mentoring young athletes, or representing his cadet squadron with pride and reliability, Max acts with genuine compassion and quiet leadership. His selfless nature and ability to uplift others made him an outstanding candidate for the Nurturing and Compassion Award.
Chosen charity or organisation: Dementia UK
Every three minutes, someone in the UK develops dementia – it’s one of the biggest health challenges of our time. Families affected are often left feeling exhausted and overwhelmed and don’t know where to turn. But with the support of an Admiral Nurse and Dementia UK, families facing the fear and confusion of dementia know they’re not alone.
Watch this space for news of our next Extraordinary People Awards!
Save the Date
The Sixth Form Open Evening will be held on 17th November 2022.
We are open today, Tuesday 13th December. If the situation changes with the weather we will update the website and social media accordingly.
