We are delighted Claire Bennett, a Sydenham High alumna, international fencer and captain of the England women’s foil team has been voted GDST Alumna of the Year 2012.

The award came the day after Claire found out she hadn’t been seleted for the Olympic team.  In an emotional speech, Claire spoke of her delight at winning the award, and of her disappointment at missing the Olympics, but said that she was happy that she had at all times done her best and given her sport her 100% commitment.

The award was presented at the GDST’s annual reception in London by Karen Pickering, ex-World Champion swimmer.

Kathryn Pullen announced the accolade in assembly to the delight of girls and teachers. At the award ceremony, Claire credited the school with giving her two gifts; the dare to dream and the resilience to cope. Mrs Pullen reflected how Claire’s spirit epitomises the spirit of the school and her pride in Claire’s dignity, graciousness and integrity.

The GDST Alumna of the Year award celebrates outstanding achievements among the 50,000 former students from the organisation’s 24 schools and two academies across England and Wales.