Jonathan Videgrain was honoured for his outstanding contribution to school life. Picture: DAVID FERGUSON (00973228)

HAUTLIEU School’s prestigious CH Brown Memorial Trust Award has been awarded this year to 18-year-old Jonathan Videgrain.

The talented artist was presented with the award at the school’s year 13 leaving ceremony last week for his outstanding contribution to the school and wider community.

The award, which was set up in 1988 in honour of the school’s first head teacher, Charles Brown, is awarded annually to a final-year student.

Throughout his four years at the school former Le Rocquier pupil Jonathan, who last week finished his A-levels in performing arts, English literature and language and art, has taken part in everything from charity events, art exhibitions and school shows. He has also worked closely with local artists, including Karen Le Roy Harris whose professional exhibition he recently helped to organise, and has published a book of his own creative writing and visual art.

Jonathan, who also took an AS-level in photography this year and one in product design last year, said: ‘I think I was chosen because of the way I like to help other students, especially with art and performing arts.

‘Hautlieu is enriching so much beyond the classroom. The subjects are obviously an important part, but there are also so many other things and cross-curricular activities to do. They really give the school a community feel.’

Jonathan was nominated for the award along with a number of his classmates before a shortlist of three was chosen. The final three, who also included deputy head girl and female sports captain Elianne Riant and the 2008 winner of the Lieutenant-Governor’s award for outstanding academic achievement at Hautlieu, Sarah Gouyette, were then interviewed by the trust and Jonathan was chosen as the winner.

The son of Keith and Lynda Videgrain of St Clement, Jonathan also spent three years playing bassoon in the Jersey Youth Band and two years working with the Arts Centre Youth Theatre to produce community theatre, including a play for young children. He played an active role in last year’s Young Enterprise scheme setting up a company called The Edge, which organised gigs for young performers.

A committed volunteer for a number of charities, he has also volunteered at Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust and is currently in training for this year’s Itex Walk.

Jonathan, who has two brothers aged 25 and 24, intends to study art at Highlands College before embarking on an art degree in the UK. He is considering a career in teaching or art therapy.