Theale Green pupil receives award honouring beloved school figure

An award honouring a much-missed member of a school community has been given to a Year 7 pupil.

Theale Green School pupil, Kaileb Walker, received the Jeannie Tynan Award for Potential at a Year 7 awards ceremony on March 7 — despite only joining the school in September.

The new award was created in memory of long-serving staff member, Jeannie Tynan, who died last year.

Mrs Tynan — described as ‘a pillar of the Theale community’ — transformed the lives of many students while working at the school, helping them to overcome difficulties and achieve their true potential.

Executive principal, Charlotte Badarello, said: “Throughout her career as a highly valued and admired member of staff, Jeannie realised her own potential as a dedicated carer and champion of many children who needed her help to manage the journey involved in growing up.”

Mrs Tynan, born in 1948, daughter of the village chimney sweep, spent her life in Theale.

She joined the school as a kitchen assistant in 1980 and in 40 years of service, she became the lead lunchtime controller, youth leader for the Junior Youth Club, then a team member in the Learning Support Unit and later the school’s learning mentor.

The award was presented to Kaileb by ex-student, Mason Bourne, who spoke fondly of Mrs Tynan and the impact she had on his life, as well as offering some advice to Year 7.

Mrs Badarello added: “It was fascinating for parents, some of whom are ex-students themselves and knew Jeannie, to reflect on the significance she and the whole school community have had on their lives.”

Other Year 7s were awarded on the night for their engagement and commitment to the school.

Year 12 head girl, Beatriz Bruscato, left the youngsters with some inspiring words: “Grab every opportunity, work hard and have fun.”