Wings of Hope Achievement Award (WOHAA) 2024/25 Grand Finals, 5th July

The WOHAA 2024/25 Grand Finals took place on Saturday, 5th July 2025 at London Business School, capping off months of entrepreneurial projects, fundraising, and community action by student teams across the whole of the UK. With the WOHAA Semi-Finals at the House of Lords and several lead-up events, the night showcased outstanding young changemakers dedicated to making a difference.

This year, the Semi-Finals were held just one week before the Finals at the prestigious House of Lords, where 26 shortlisted teams presented their WOHAA journeys to a panel of esteemed judges. Teams shared their stories of innovation, resilience, and social impact, offering a glimpse into the passion and commitment behind their projects. These presentations helped determine which teams would go on to receive awards in their respective categories at the Finals.

Four outstanding former Forest Academy (current Beal Sixth Form) students Mariam Attarwala, Sreelakshmi Subhash, Aashritha Donthi and Cassidy Smith collectively known as ‘Team WOHAA Warriors’ won the award for most awareness raised and had their award presented to them by no less than legendary fashion designer Dame Zandra Rhodes.
The pupils fully deserved their award having participated in a number of activities throughout the academic year. Fundraising events included: a 20km walk across central London to commemorate 20 years of WOHAA; a Valentine’s bake sale; a ‘Miles 4 Smiles’ walk in Valentines Park; and a Summer Stall where products sold ranged from handmade multicoloured bracelets to fruit kebabs.

The team also took part in community action projects with activities ranging from ‘the big mosque clean up’, to volunteering with the British Heart Foundation, to litter picking in both Valentines Park and Seven Kings Park.

All four of Team WOHAA Warriors developed skills and knowledge over the course of the academic year whilst completing their WOHAA activities and community action projects which are likely to hold them in good stead in their future careers.

Sreelakshmi ‘…allowed me to learn how to delegate, resolve setbacks, and support one another’
Cassidy ‘…constant perseverance helped our team members stick together when times were tough’
Aashritha ‘Grit over glamour…the importance of persistence, follow-ups, and staying motivated’
Mariam ‘…advocating for those who cannot, and making a difference is what really counts’

A massive well done to all four students who are a credit both to themselves and also to the school.