Pop sensation Leona Lewis and former Education Minister Nick Gibb have thrown their weight behind a campaign to posthumously honour Patricia Hewitt with an OBE. Hewitt, a dedicated educator and advocate for the arts, passed away earlier this year, leaving behind a legacy of transformative work in schools and cultural institutions.
Lewis, who credits Hewitt with inspiring her early career, described her as "a beacon of creativity and kindness." Gibb, who worked closely with Hewitt on education reforms, praised her "unwavering commitment to improving opportunities for young people."
A Legacy of Educational Excellence
Hewitt's career spanned over three decades, during which she pioneered innovative teaching methods and championed arts education in underprivileged areas. Her programmes helped thousands of students access music, drama, and visual arts training that would otherwise have been beyond their reach.
Campaign Gains Momentum
The petition for Hewitt's OBE has garnered significant support from:
- Former students whose lives she transformed
- Colleagues from across the education sector
- Arts organisations she supported
Supporters argue that official recognition would not only honour Hewitt's memory but also highlight the importance of arts education in the national curriculum.
