There was a buzz in the air as our OP Committee members gathered for the Michaelmas term meeting on 16 September. As well as confirming the next steps for this term in our drive to optimise the value and impact of the Old Princethorpian Association, the committee members had a new and important job to do; select the winner of the inaugural Princethorpe Foundation Alumni Award.

This was no mean feat, as the submissions we have received over the past ten weeks have been incredibly thoughtful and impressive; worthy winners, all. The submissions were shortlisted by the OP Committee and, after much discussion, they voted enthusiastically for the first recipient of this special award. We will be announcing the winner at Princethorpe College's prestigious Prize Giving ceremony at Butterworth Hall, Warwick Arts Centre, on Friday 28 November (see our events page for details). The winner will be invited to attend and say a few words in acceptance of their award. They will also be featured proudly on the new Alumni Spotlight wall in the Sixth Form Centre, where students can be inspired by the Princethorpians who have gone before them.

We will be notifying the shortlisted nominees after this event, and look forward to celebrating their achievement accordingly with the wider OP community.

Beyond this important task at the meeting, the Committee reviewed the progress across each foundational pillar and set targets for the term ahead. This included:

• Taking steps to evolve the alumni network into a professional community
• Developing a strong visual identity for OP communications
• Forging stronger links between OPs, parents and the College
• Establishing a culture of giving - time, talent, or treasure

Our sincere appreciation goes to all members of the committee for their continued energy, insight and generosity.

If there’s a way you feel you can contribute, or if you have ideas the committee should consider, please do get in touch. We are always open to hearing your own suggestions and feedback. You can get in touch at any time, at oldprincethorpians@princethorpe.co.uk.