Achieving great things often takes time, dedication and sheer hard work because, as the artist Vincent Van Gogh once said: “Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together.”

In recognition of the effort it takes to achieve something special, Richmond Council hosted its yearly celebration of achievement awards on Tuesday to mark the great things students in the borough have done over the year.

Now in its eighth year, the awards saw 42 pupils pick up award certificates and gift vouchers for a range of academic and sporting disciplines including gymnastics, art and languages as well as out-of-school pursuits like community and charity work.

On this page are a few of this year’s winners.

All-rounder

Picking up an award for achievement in music, drama, English and sport was the icing on the cake for one young pupil at St John the Baptist Junior School – it was her second award of the day.

But Esther Darling, who teachers describe as the school’s “very own Jane Austen”, said she never expected to win.

She said: “I was really pleased but I wasn’t expecting it. It felt quite exciting.”

The modest young actress also picked up her school’s Craigie award after being voted for by her peers for her honourable and unselfish conduct towards the school.

Although only 11, Esther has already marked herself out as a budding star and shared the stage with Dame Judi Dench, after being picked from hundreds of children to tread the boards at the Rose Theatre. She also made the part of Shakespeare’s Helena her own when she added a modern twist to the role by singing Dusty Springfield’s You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me during a school production of a Midsummer Night’s Dream, and plays both the violin and piano.

None the worse for tumble

Fearless junior gymnast and keen sportsman Harry Leaddley tumbled his way to success when he picked up an award for excellence in sport.

The energetic 10-year-old, a pupil at Nelson Primary School in Whitton, was delighted when he heard he had received the award.

He said: “I was very pleased and my family were proud.”

Harry, who was nominated by his school for his athletic ability, took up the acrobatic discipline of tumbling after joining a school recreational gymnastics class and then going on to become part of Richmond Gymnastics Association’s (RGA) nationally competing squad.

He practises four times a week with the RGA working on different techniques like hand springs, tucks and cartwheels and dedicating himself to improving his tumbling repertoire.

Headteacher Paul Brackley said: “We’re all very proud of him.”

GB team aim for sharp mind

One of Great Britain’s junior fencing talents was celebrated for making it on to England’s national sporting team when she picked up an award for representing her country in sport.

Whitton School pupil Tara Crank was thrilled to be given the award and excited to have the support of the community she pursued her dream.

She said: “It’s nice to be recognised as an athlete.”

After being selected for the England team last year 16-year-old Tara travelled to tournaments around the world, including a fencing event in Grenoble in November and Gothenburg in December.

And the hard-working teenager said she already has her sights on her next challenge – trying out for Great Britain’s U20s fencing squad, as well as taking three science and maths A-levels.

Award for a helping hand

Helping others has led to a citizenship award for one Heathfield Junior School pupil after he gave up his time and energy to help with numerous charity projects.

And 11-year-old Jamie Mackie Elia insists the best bit about being honoured was not receiving the award itself but knowing he had made a difference.

He said: “I [wanted to] make my school and my parents proud, and the charity as well because I do like to raise money for the hospice.”

Jamie, who is a team captain at the Cobbett Road school, in Twickenham, has been involved with raising funds for both his school and Hampton Hill’s Shooting Star children’s hospice over the past 12 months.

Last year, the enthusiastic youngster helped motivate classmates to take part in a staff car wash to generate funds for new bean bags and sofas to go in the school reading area as well as being part of a student team that raised over £350 pounds for Shooting Star by taking on sponsored litter picks in Whitton and selling school-branded pencils to other students.

And the other winners were...

Primary school nominations: Collins Agyemang, Clarendon School,Hampton Hill, award self-motivation to achieve academic improvement.

Valentina Henriquez, Strathmore School, Richmond, award for excellent progress and improvement in independence and self-confidence.

Sean Lowe, Multi Agency Team, Richmond, award for outstanding progress and hard work in numeracy and literacy.

Katie Boylan, St. Edmund's Catholic Primary School, Whitton, award for academic and sporting achievement with outstanding service to the school.

Tolu Ajayi-Obe, Archdeacon Cambridge's Church of England Primary School, Twickenham, award for being an inspiring role model with strong ethical values and an inspirational eco-warrior.

Ellen Teesdale, Barnes Primary School, Barnes, award for attitude, attainment and commitment to learning and improvement.

Andrew Mounty, Bishop Perrin CE Primary School, Twickenham, award for excellent attitude and contribution to all aspects of school life.

Joshua Bland, Buckingham Primary School, Hampton, award for being a British Junior Gymnast, combined with high academic achievements.

Amy Priestley, Chase Bridge Primary School, Twickenham, award for excellent academic standards and all-round achievement.

Enna Kebo, Hampton Junior School, Hampton, award for high achievement in mathematics.

Jessica Rudkin, Holy Trinity CE Primary School, Richmond, award for academic progress, attendance and postive attitude to education.

Jade Gurney, Kew Riverside Primary School, Kew, award for always giving 100% with a smile.

Emen Rezzag-Salem, Lowther Primary School, Barnes, award for being an outstanding ambassador for the Lowther School family.

Tiana Davies, Meadlands Primary School, Ham, award for amazing story writing showing creative flair.

Charlie Harrison, Orleans Infant School, Twickenham, award for being persistently hard working and showing a caring nature towards others.

Matthew Rowe, Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, Teddington, award for high achievement whilst being an outstanding role-model.

Amelia Heminsley, Sheen Mount School, Sheen, award for outstanding sporting skills.

Claudia Collina, St Mary Magdalen's Catholic Primary School, Mortlake, award for being an excellent all-rounder both in curriculum and sports.

Daniel Carpenter, St Mary's and St Peter's CE Primary School, Teddington, award for commitment, dedication and all-round excellence.

Chiara Accaputo, St Osmund's Catholic Primary School, Barnes, award for making fantastic progress in all areas of the curriculum.

Giulia Accaputo, St Osmund's Catholic Primary School, Barnes, award for making fantastic progress in all areas of the curriculum.

Oliver Borsberry, St Richard's with St Andrew's Church of England Primary School, Ham, award for fantastic academic progress, especially in mathematics.

Billy Brown, St Stephen's Church of England Junior School, Twickenham, award for outstanding progress and leadership.

Olivia Sweeney, Stanley Junior School, Teddington, award for all-round achievement.

Ria Ramnauth, The Russell School, Petersham, award for citizenship and leading by example.

Isobel Walker, The Vineyard School, Richmond, award for consistently high academic attainment over seven years.

Mitchell Robinson, Trafalgar Infant School, Twickenham, award for his exceptional attitude to life.

Magdalena Grabowska, St James's Catholic Primary School, Twickenham, award for hard work and commitment in all areas of the curriculum, enabling her to make outstanding progress in Key Stage 2.

Secondary school nominations: Katie Nicholson, Christs School, Richmond, award for academic excellence and a consistent, positive contribution to the school.

Krsitjan Moore, Grey Court School, Ham, award for excellent academic achievement and service to the school.

Pollyanna Jenkins, Hampton Community College, Hampton, award for academic excellence, commitment and enthusiasm across all subjects.

Precious Appleton, Shene School, Sheen, award for amazing progress socially and academically since Year 7.

Max Grantham, Teddington School, Teddington, award for a consistently enthusiastic contribution to all aspects of school life.

Ariane Cibrario, Waldegrave School for Girls, Twickenham, award for being an excellent Head Girl.

Esme Ferne, Whitton School, Whitton, award for outstanding service as Head Girl.

Service Team nominations: Margaret Hanrahan, nominated by the Ethnic Minority and Traveller Achievement Service for an outstanding work experience placement and qualifications achieved.

Emine Downham, nominated by the Powerstation Youth Centre for showing responsibility and leadership skills whilst working with young people.

Ryan Broderick, nominated by the Social Inclusion Service for excellent behaviour and attitude to learning.

Jessie Brown, nominated by the Youth Service for being an understanding and supportive young woman.

Megan Jones, nominated by the Youth Service for being such a supportive and caring young woman.

Craig Lawrence, Richmond upon Thames College, award for creating the winning design for the Richmond Borough's Choices 2011 prospectus.

Director's Art Awards: Hampton Wick Infant School, award for collaboration with an artist.

Emma Wilkinson, Stanley Junior School, Teddington, group winners.

Liliana Della Valle, St James Catholic Primary School, Twickenham, award for interesting use of materials.

Maggie Male, Carlisle Infant School, Hampton, award for originality and creative expression.