Dance teachers and volunteers are those from Stockton who have received Honours.
Matt Vickers MP is full of praise for Stocktonians who have been honoured in this year's New Year Honours List.
The New Year Honours list sees people from all walks of life and celebrates those who have made a positive impact in their field, industry or communities. They will meet King Charles or one of his representatives to pick up their honours in 2024.
The Stockton residents who have received Honurs are as follows:
Jacqueline Savage MBE
Jacqueline Savage will be awarded a MBE for services to social care. She has presented at both local and national conferences, prepared training sessions, shared her experiences, and has become a judge at the National Social Work Awards.
The Stockton volunteer said she was honoured to recognised:
"I am honoured to be recognised in His Majesty the King’s New Years honours list for an MBE and I am proud to be of service by contributing.
"It is a privilege that has been unexpected and I am thankful. My message to all children and young people coming out of the care system as I did all those years ago or adults who suddenly find themselves ill with disability like I experienced eight years ago; is to believe in yourself and never let what you have lived through solely define you.
"No matter who is not by your side, just count those that are as those that matter. Be you and overcome barriers by treating them as hurdles you can get over, under, around or through.
"Let nothing stand in your way and do something you are passionate about. Because you are remarkable and deserve love, resilience, and your dreams to be reached. They will eventually come one day if you just ‘know you are worth it’.
"It has been some years since I left a children’s home as a young adult and had to face life without a family there to support me. Social care and social work stuck with me and inspired me to go into my first qualification then.
"Still today it is where I have my passion and I am proud to have been recognised with an MBE for voluntary services in the field. I have overcome so much in my life’s path already and still have more hurdles to go. I am pleased I can use my own skills and learning as a social care consultant to improve what I can somehow for the lives of others as I keep overcoming hurdles in my own."
Greta Edwards BEM
Greta Edwards, a cleaner and kitchen assistant, from Stockton's North Shore Academy, has been honoured for her services to education. The Stockton resident has worked at the secondary school for over four years.
The 50-year-old spends her days at North Shore cleaning the academy, ensuring that classrooms are sparkling for all students to enjoy. At break and lunch time, she goes the extra mile to support the canteen and serves food to students and staff.
Every morning, she makes sure that she makes a little bit of extra toast, knowing that lots of children do not have money to afford the food that is served at break time. Not only does she plate food with the biggest smile, she makes sure that the most vulnerable students get an extra Yorkshire pudding or naan bread on their plate, knowing that they might not get a dinner when they get home that night.
Mary Boyes BEM
This Teessider also works at North Shore Academy in Stockton and has been recognised for her efforts. Mary's is a day time cleaner and has held the role for more than 12 years.
Every day, she meticulously cleans and scrubs the academy so that the learning environment is the absolute best it can be for students. She also makes sure that equipment boxes in classrooms are well stocked and spends additional time in her day sponging the walls to make sure the academy looks shiny and amazing.
Furthermore, Mary supports the academy’s most vulnerable students and families in every way that she can.
Professor Amritpal Singh Hungin - Knight Bachelor
DL. Emeritus Professor of General Practice, Newcastle University, from Stockton, will be appointed a Knight Bachelor for services to medicine.
Ridley Scott - Knight Grand Cross
The internationally famous Director and Producer, who grew up and was educated in Stockton, is due to be appointed a Knight Grand Cross for services to the UK film industry.
Matt Vickers MP, said:
"A huge congratulations to the residents of Stockton who have had their services to society recognised by the King in his 2024 New Year Honours.
From Doctors to cleaners to dance teachers to international directors, this year's list really highlights Stockton's caring and ambitious side, showing the country how well-recognised our community heroes are.
A massive well done to all!"
