The Derbyshire Beacon of Hope Awards look to identify and thank individuals and organisations who have worked tirelessly to keep our communities safe, and our businesses moving, during the Covid-19 pandemic. As we begin to recover from the pandemic, the Lord-Lieutenant, the High Sheriff, Derby City Council, Derbyshire County Council, and their Leaders, feel it is important now to recognise that many across the county have Committed themselves to response and relief efforts since the beginning of the outbreak.

The citation for Mr Garrity:

“Mr Garrity quickly embraced the responsibilities of leadership as the pandemic affected the operation of Queen Elizabeth’s, ensuring that maximum support was given to students, parents and staff so that the school Community could function as well as possible in such difficult circumstances. He has continued to demonstrate those powers of leadership as the School went through the stages of home learning then the reintroduction of on-site teaching always communicating with the wider community with his excellent weekly letter updates. He has made sure that QEGS has followed Government guidelines at all times often having to make important decisions at short notice and implementing those processes such as mass testing in the school, reorganising school transport and putting in place directives when students or staff tested positive. He has shown immense fortitude and resilience to continue these powers of leadership throughout the 14 months of disruption that the pandemic has affected our schools, never once shirking the responsibility his role demands. In this time and down to his overall leadership, QEGS has embarked on many different ways of engaging and inspiring students, forming links with businesses, motivational speakers and further education establishments. There is now a huge number of well-subscribed after-school groups at the school broadening the horizons of the students.”

Tony Walker, Deputy-Lieutenant of Derbyshire presented Scott Garrity with the award at QEGS on Wednesday 14th July 2021 and said “Many congratulations on being a recipient of a Derbyshire Beacon of Hope Award for your service to the people of Derbyshire during the Covid-19 pandemic, you have earned it!”

Scott Garrity said “Thank you so much for the amazing award. I am honoured to even be thought of, I am feeling very humble and very proud. Receiving the Derbyshire Beacon of Hope Award is a great way to acknowledge the work of the whole staff team here at QEGS, who have all contributed to this great success”.

Anne Martin CEO of QEGSMAT said

“What an honour for QEGS to be recognised by the community for all their hard work during the pandemic. It is truly well deserved”.