Sonia Robinson judges Black History Month school competition

Southern Oak Founder and Managing Director, Sonia Robinson, was recently invited to Valentines High School in Gants Hill to help judge its Black History Month project competition.

Sonia said that it was an opportunity to meet students, see their research and hear how they had interpreted themes of legacy, bravery and the influence of individual actions.

The displays explored people and movements that have helped shape history.

Pupils used artwork, models, written research and presentation to bring those stories to life. The thought behind the work, as well as the care taken to present it, made the visit particularly memorable.

Alongside the judging, Sonia shared a little about her own career and about Southern Oak, the oak-framing business she founded.

For Sonia, visits like this are said to be about more than celebrating a competition: they are a chance to make careers in construction and timber visible to young people who might never have considered that path.

Sonia explained has spoken about how important representation is from an early age.

She said: “Seeing different people in different roles can change what young people imagine for themselves. I hope to continue taking those conversations into schools and other learning environments.”

The school will decide the competition winners.

Sonia concluded: “Thank you the students and staff for welcoming me and congratulations to everyone who took part.”

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