On 16th October, Nower Hill High School, as part of its Symposium programme, welcomed Johnson BeHarry, VC, COG, the first living recipient of the Victoria Cross in the British Army since 1965. 

The Lance Sergeant, born 1979, is a British Army soldier who, on 18 March 2005, was awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest military decoration for valour in the British and Commonwealth armed forces, for saving members of his unit, the 1st Battalion Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment, from ambushes on 1 May and again on 11 June 2004 at Al-Amarah, Iraq. He sustained serious head injuries in the latter engagement. 

The event welcomed school students and their families as well as staff, Governors and over 150 members of the community. 

The audience sat on the edge of their seats whilst Johnson regaled us with his challenging journey; leaving Grenada and serving in the British Army followed by his extreme acts of heroism which resulted in the Queen awarding him the Victoria Cross. Dr BeHarry talked about life after receiving the prestigious award, highlighting his current work with youths who are vulnerable to gang involvement and crime.  The passion and verve with which Johnson spoke was extremely well received. 

“An inspirational story from an inspirational person” Kiran, Year 13. 

Nower Hill High School is delighted to be donating over £200 to his foundation from the retiring collection on the evening.

The Nower Hill High School Symposium is a programme of visiting speakers to promote and nourish intellectual and cultural curiosity amongst the community. It has been confirmed that Dr Sue Black OBE, founder of  www.techmums.co will be the guest speaker for the school’s next Symposium event on the 22nd January 2019.