Outstanding youngsters across Peterborough were recognised in the second annual Bright Futures Awards.
First launched in 2025, the awards are organised by Peterborough Youth Council and designed to celebrate the achievements of young people across Peterborough.
Schools, colleges, and youth organisations nominated young people aged 11–18 for recognition across six categories.
Peterborough Youth Council chair Aryan Nahata said of the event, which was held at The Fleet in Fletton: “The Bright Futures Awards celebrate the hard work, resilience, and excellence of young people in Peterborough.
“The event shines a spotlight on their achievements and highlights the city’s potential by recognising young people who are making a positive impact across a range of fields.”
Politicians, council officers and assorted dignitaries were invited to the event by Peterborough Youth Council, which is a city-wide youth voice group for young people aged 11–19. Members represent the views of young people and champion youth issues with decision-makers across the city.
The 2026 Award Sponsors were Anglia Ruskin University Peterborough, Living Sport, Peterborough Cultural Alliance, Indian Friends of Peterborough, and Peterborough Ahmadiyya Muslim Association.
The winners were:
STEM
Key Stage 3: Edmund Winfield-Chislett (winner)
Key Stage 4: Peniel Tetteyfio (winner)
Key Stage 5: Aerin Dempster (winner), Charlotte Pennell (winner)
Humanities
Key Stage 3: Lava Barkal (winner), Eviee Earl (runner up), Oliver Langfield (runner up)
Key Stage 4: Benjy Tinker (winner), Aroob Ilyas (runner up), Euan Over (runner up)
Key Stage 5: Shanzay Merchant (winner), Ebenezer Fernandes (runner up), Rachel Weston (runner up)
Visual Arts
Key Stage 4: Sara Zdroba (winner), Brandon Mosoti (runner up)
Key Stage 5: Isaac Castaneto (winner), Michelle Rychlik (runner up)
Performing Arts
Key Stage 3: Jasmine Barnes (winner), Olivia Martutaityte (runner up), Edward Curzon (runner up)
Key Stage 4: Osker Stocks (winner), Samuel Djau (runner up), Caitlin Parkes (runner up)
Key Stage 5: Jess Richardson (winner), Polly Anderson (runner up), Ruby Hynes (runner up)
Sports
Key Stage 3: Tyler Parry (winner), Inaya Haider (runner up)
Key Stage 4: Olivia Malijonyte (winner), Osker Stocks (runner up), Ryan Ingram (runner up)
Key Stage 5: Poppy Garrod (runner up), Elana Walker (runner up), Leo Oliver (runner up)
Social Action
Key Stage 3: Eviee Earl (winner), Thomas Eliott (runner up)
Key Stage 4: Noor Khan (winner), Daniela Gomes (runner up)
Key Stage 5: Dawyn DeAzevedo (winner), Urte Ginkute (runner up)