Youngsters from Burgess Hill and Hayward’s Heath receive a top National lifetime honour for outstanding and selfless contribution to their communities.

These students at Ariel Drama Plus, support children with Special Needs to be able to access weekly Drama, Singing and Dance classes.

Aged 12 to 18  all students are from Ariel Drama Plus Academy received the ‘Lady Diana Award for Excellence’ at a ceremony at London’s Canary Wharf by MP Dawn Butler (Minister for Youth Citizen’s and Youth Engagements).

Nicci and Neil Hopson, principles of Ariel Drama Academy comments “We are absolutely thrilled the students have been publicly recognised by the presentation of such a prestigious award. 

We pride ourselves that the Drama School is fully inclusive in every aspect and without these 7 students, we would not be unable to teach them, and for that I am eternally grateful’ says Sue Jay, Special Needs Drama Tutor at Ariel Drama Plus

The youngsters were selected from more than 3000 candidates National wide. The Lady Diana Award still remains very close to the Princes William and Harry hearts, our students were further awarded the highest accolade of the ‘Award of Excellence’ which only 12 received in the whole country.

Said 16 year old Ben s of Hayward Heath, one of the recipients of the award says’ I feel privileged to be able to take part with helping the Othello’s. (name of the group)

We are always looking for ways to enhance there Drama experience, and offer through the Othello’s buddies, greater life skill rewards, which is an amazing opportunity for all the students that come every Saturday .  Says Neil Hopson principal)