A DEAF learner was serenaded with congratulations after winning the Against All Odds award at the third Youth in Action Education Awards.

Kieron Nugent had the whole crowd saying "well done" in sign language as he celebrated winning the award a fist-pump at the American Express Community Stadium yesterday.

His mother joined him on stage to interpret for him as he thanked those who nominated him through sign language.

Kieron, who is studying a level two sports course at City College Brighton and Hove, was applauded by 200 of the great and good in Sussex education for awards.

Hosted by The Argus, the awards aim to recognise academic success as well as the unsung heroes that line the corridors, classrooms and pitches of our schools and clubs.

Kieron said: "I'm just impressed that I won, I never thought I would win.

"I thought the other contestants were better than me and I just thought and I didn't mind if I didn't get the award.

"But I have and I'm really happy and emotional."

With 15 awards, host and Argus Youth in Action reporter Gareth Davies guided guests through the categories yesterday lunchtime.

There was success for Dorothy Stringer who picked up School of the Year and City Academy Whitehawk for Most Improved School of the Year.

The primary school in Whitehawk has gone from special measures to good across the board in just a few short years since having a facelift.

Former governor and council leader Warren Morgan said: "This is a magnificent effort from a school that has had a difficult time in recent years.

"Whitehawk is one of the city’s most disadvantaged areas and this success is a reminder that economic disadvantage should not be seen as a barrier to academic success.”

Closing the awards, The Argus' managing director Dawn Sweeney, said: "What a day - people overcoming adversity, shining in the sporting arena, groups coming together to help the wider community and just some amazing work in our schools.

"It was truly inspiring just being in the presence of this year's finalists."

CONGRATULATIONS TO EVERYONE, YOU ARE ALL STARS

IT was a special event – and the finalists at the Youth in Action Education awards made it so.

Despite the rain lashing down on the American Express Community Stadium, there was a warmth inside the venue for the third annual awards to recognise the stunning work of the county’s youngsters and educators.

Acoustic duo Lady Grey from BIMM Brighton kicked off proceedings with a 15 minute set before The Argus editor Mike Gilson took to the stage to open the awards.

He congratulated all candidates for making the shortlist and had special praise for the performers, saying: “BIMM is bursting at the seams with young talent and it’s really inspirational to see.”

“It sums up what’s good about young people in Brighton.”

The first winner was Christine Ancell, who won Charity Achievement of the Year for her work with St John Ambulance, teaching youngsters life-saving skills.

Excursion of the Year went to Farlington School’s trip to Tanzania where staff and pupils fixed 11 classrooms and laid four floors for a local school.

The talent pool was limitless for the Sports Person of the Year award, with finalists Amber Anning, Shiloh Defreitas and Joel Thompson bagging international honours, records and titles.

But it was Hove Park swimmer Joel Thompson who snatched the award for his success in the water.

The Musical Achievement of the Year went to LVS Hassocks, whose band the Hassocks Allstarts Blues Band shone at the Autism’s Got Talent show at London’s Mermaid Theatre.

Former PE teacher Sue Middleton picked up Teacher of the Year after four decades at Dorothy Stringer School came to an end last year.

Dr Andrew Spiers was named STEM Teacher of the Year for his part in Ardingly College’s 3,000km Bridgestone World Solar Challenge race across Australia.

Pupil of the Year went to Brighton College’s Fred Dimbleby, who is set to follow in his father David’s footsteps after shining by hosting a Question Time-style EU debate last month.

Stuart Everard picked up the award for Staff Member of the Year for his work beyond his job title of premises manager at West Blatchington Primary School.

He accepted the award on stage and in an emotional speech dedicated it to his colleague Joe Blakeney, who was highly commended in the category along with Portslade Aldridge Community Academy’s transition manager Liz L’Anson.

The Most Improved School of the Year was City Academy Whitehawk, for an impressive turnaround under headteacher David Williams.

He took the helm after the old Whitehawk Primary School had been converted to an academy thanks to sponsorship by City College Brighton and Hove.

In 2011, Ofsted placed it in special measures – but now it is good across the board.

It was perhaps the moment of the day next, when winner of the Against The Odds award Kieron Nugent had the whole crowd signing “well done” back to him as he celebrated with a fist pump on stage.

His mother joined him on stage to interpret for him as he thanked those who nominated him through sign language, communicating his excitement to be working towards raising enough money for charity to go on the Tanzania Trades4Aid project.

Community School of the Year Portslade Aldridge Community Academy received a record breaking 78 nominations for the award and teacher Dean Flynn told the audience he could not wait to show it off in school.

A roar of approval went up inside The Amex when Kit Messenger was picked as winner of Headteacher of the Year.

It will be her last year as head of Manor Field Primary School in Burgess Hill after she sensationally quit over the Government’s plans to convert all schools to academies.

Dorothy Stringer won School of the Year, beating competition from Brighton College and the Cedar Centre.

Headteacher Richard Bradford, who was also shortlisted for the Headteacher of the Year, said: “It’s a real privilege to pick up this award for the school and for the young people who make it a fantastic place with their energy and passion.”

Academic Achievement of the Year saw identical twins Naomi and Rebecca Snow as well as Polly Milsom receive highly commended awards for their GCSEs, amassing 35 A* grades between them.

The top award went to Brighton College’s Michael Cheng for six A* grades at A-level.

The final award of the day went to a man not even on this planet – astronaut Tim Peake won the Outstanding Contribution to Education.

Obviously not able to be present at the ceremony, he sent a message through The Argus, saying: “I would just like to thank everyone who nominated me through The Argus for the Outstanding Contribution to Education Award.

“I am truly honoured to see that my endeavour has inspired many others and has made a real difference in Sussex where my roots lie.

“Congratulations to all nominees and winners, you are all stars.”

for making it this far and achieving so much.”