Kids in America singer inspires kids in Keswick

Eighties pop star Kim Wilde inspired pupils at Keswick School with a rousing speech.

Kim, who burst on to the music scene in 1981 with Kids in America, told pupils at the school’s 29th annual prize giving on Friday that they too could achieve success in their lives.

Headmaster Mike Chapman said: “Kim was natural and easy to speak to and quite happy for people to take pictures and sign autographs. She made a lot of friends and this is the first time she has been to the school and I think it may not be the last. She said ‘I’m here and I’m a cheerful person who has had a lot of success and so can you.’ She commented on the friendliness of the pupils and talked a bit about her success as a pop star and as a gardener.”

Kim Wilde is linked to the school through her father-in-law who is the chairman of governors. She presented pupils with cups, shields and book vouchers in recognition of sporting and academic achievements.

Last year’s year 13 also returned to the school to receive subject prizes.

Laura Mason, who won the poetry prize, was given an unexpected honour at the prize giving when Kim asked her to read Rudyard Kipling’s poem If.