Young people of African and Caribbean heritage from schools across Ealing were recognised at the 21st Annual Dr John Roberts QC CBE Achievement Awards, held at the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in Ealing last week (11 July 2026).
Organised by Acton-based charity Descendants, which has supported children, young people and families in the borough for more than 30 years, the awards attracted more than 200 nominations from pupils in Years 5 to 13 attending primary, secondary and special schools across Ealing. Forty-six finalists were invited to the ceremony, which was attended by around 170 guests.
The overall Dr John Roberts QC CBE Achievement Award was presented to Leo Munroe, of Islip Manor High School, who also won the secondary STEM category. Islip Manor High School also received the annual school trophy.
In the primary categories, Jahni John-Charles was recognised for excellence across all areas of education, Ebonie Stephenson for working hard and achieving against the odds, Jace Grant for excellence in the arts, Ruby-May Howard for sport, Sophia Babalola for STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), Joylen Cabral Teixeira for entrepreneurial qualities and Amiyah Appleton for future leadership potential.
Secondary winners were Lisa Jammeh for excellence across all areas of education, Esther Kainsie for working hard and achieving against the odds, Benjamin Isaac Obado for excellence in the arts, Arielle Grant for sport, Leo Munroe for STEM, Hutoon Adam for entrepreneurial qualities and Hafsa Mumin for future leadership potential.
The ceremony also included 15 legacy awards named after inspirational figures from the African and Caribbean community. Recipients included Elisha Hopkin, Lily Christopher, Samuel Ajayi and Jeremiah Ajayi, Clyde De Bellotte, Tay-Jean Hernandez-Codling, Fatuma Ahmed, Alexan Slowley, Hodan Farah, Kayann Lawrence, Alister Fagbola, Yahye Mohamed and Alexander Andrews. Mrs Berenice Miles received the Inspirational Teacher Award in recognition of more than 60 years of teaching in Ealing.
Actor Rudolph Walker CBE was the guest speaker at the ceremony. Guests also included the Mayor of Ealing, Councillor Faduma Mohamed, Ealing Central and Acton MP Rupa Huq, councillors and representatives from schools and the local community.
Margaret Noel, founder of Descendants, said: “As in previous years, we were so inspired with the talent, hard work and determination displayed by all the children.
“We were so impressed with one child who had a sports accident the night before whilst training. Her work ethics, which were described by her nominating teacher, were evident as Ruby-May Howard appeared bruised, swollen and battered, with her arm in a sling, but showed up. One to watch for the future.
“After 21 years of presenting these awards, I remain resolute in publicly showing that our children of African and Caribbean descent are determined, hardworking and are high achievers. These awards celebrate the wealth of talent within our community. The future is bright, and our children are making us proud. Let’s continue to support and encourage them in whatever field they chose to follow.”
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