Students were bowled over when England under 19s cricketer Danny Law turned up at their awards ceremony.
Chris Richardson, headteacher at Furtherwick Park School, Furtherwick Road, Canvey, said year nine pupils were rewarded after producing first class work of a high academic standard.
He said: "They also played an important role within the school and local community through the current academic year.
"Education opportunities at Furtherwick Park school extend far beyond good results in the classroom as we encourage our students to excel at sport, in the performing arts and to serve the community.
"We were delighted to welcome Essex and England under 19s team cricketer Danny Law as our special guest for the award evening. Our students appreciated him giving his time to present them with their awards."
Mr Richardson said the cricketer was an excellent example of someone who worked hard at his chosen profession, enjoyed his sport and gave back to the community.
He added: "Our thanks go to him for the inspiration he provided for these young people. We look forward to him catching the England selectors' eye and playing for the main England side following his success in the under 19s squad tour of Sri Lanka."
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