Our 2024 Old Waconian Award Winners

We are delighted to present our 2024 Old Waconian Award winners:

Distinguished Old Waconian Award

Recognises an Old Waconian’s sustained achievement over a long career. 

Prof Tom Bourne, Class of 1978

Prof Tom Bourne is Chair in Gynaecology at Imperial College, Hon Consultant Gynaecologist at Queen Charlotte’s and Chelsea Hospital London, and visiting Professor at KU Leuven in Belgium. This award recognises Tom’s outstanding work as an international authority on the management of early pregnancy problems, as well as his ongoing demonstration of the School’s Waconian values, particularly compassion and contribution, in his research into the impact of miscarriage.

Old Waconian Early Career Award

Recognises exceptional accomplishment early in the nominees’ post school career. 

Sarah Jackson, Class of 2016

Sarah is a dedicated British windsurfer, earning accolades such as the esteemed title of IFCA Vice World Champion and securing her inaugural race victory on the PWA World Tour. She has leveraged her passion for windsurfing to contribute meaningfully to the community as an ocean ambassador for the Marine Conservation Society, advocating tirelessly for oceanic sustainability. This award recognises Sarah’s sporting endeavours and environmental advocacy. Sarah has demonstrated the Waconian values of integrity, compassion and contribution and is an inspiration to the next generation of athletes, instilling a sense of purpose and responsibility in young minds.

Old Waconian Contribution Award

Recognises an individual’s service and contribution to CHS.

Kate Vokes (Oglesby), Class of 1987, and Archie Vokes, Class of 2020

The Old Waconian Contribution Award is awarded in honour of Kate and Archie Vokes who tragically died during their family ski holiday over Christmas. The Vokes and Oglesby family have had a connection with CHS for over 40  years and the news affected our whole community deeply. 

Kate left CHS in 1987 and her connection to our school endured long after her graduation, as she remained actively involved as an Old Waconian and later as a parent when Archie joined CHS. She was immensely generous with her time and support through her family’s charitable foundation which supported the school’s bursary programme and our outreach programmes. She was also a good friend and mentor to some of our staff. 

Archie graduated from CHS in 2020 and is fondly remembered by all his peers and teachers. His passion for sports, particularly rugby, set him apart as a dedicated and inspiring athlete. We enjoyed watching his career develop as a personal trainer in recent years and hearing of his travels with some fellow Old Waconians. Without doubt Archie exemplified the spirit of CHS and he had a positive impact on everyone he came into contact with.  

The family held a celebration of life event for Kate and Archie in June, which many members of our community attended and the family has been in touch to say how happy they are that CHS is honouring Kate and Archie through this award. 

Nominations for our 2025 Old Waconian Awards will open in January 2025 and you can read about past winners on the Old Waconian Awards webpage.