Lauren Prince and Anna Pengelley

Lauren Prince and Anna Pengelley have been nominated for the Teacher of the Year award

The ‘kindness, dedication and inspirational leadership’ of Anna Pengelley and Lauren Prince from Island Gymnastics has led to a nomination for the Teacher of the Year 

award.

The duo have worked hard to not only provide the opportunity for children to learn artistic gymnastics by finding a new space after losing their old venue during Covid-19 but also fundraise for their students to go their first Island Games.

‘Their dedication is not only evident in their coaching but also in their daily efforts to set up and pack down the entire gym, fitting it into the small cupboard in the hall almost every day, all without complaints – despite the smaller facilities, they successfully trained a team of gymnasts to participate in their first ever Island Games,’ said Sarah Goddard, when nominating.

‘Their commitment extends beyond training; their pastoral care for their 225 gymnasts is truly heart-warming and working alongside them, I have seen them consistently provide support to both parents and children facing difficulties even when it is concerning issues outside [of gymnastics].’

Sarah also highlighted Anna and Lauren’s additional efforts in creating a programme to train gymnasts as coaches to address the long-standing issue on-island of finding experienced staff.

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