Achievements of York College students recognised at Reach Awards ceremony in National Railway Museum
THE achievements of York College students were celebrated at a glittering ceremony in Yorkās National Railway Museum on Thursday evening. (30 June)
More than 200 people, including students, their families and College staff and governors gathered for the second Reach Awards ceremony - the first one to welcome guests in-person since the Covid lockdown.
Winners were recognised for their academic and personal achievements across adult learner, apprentice and under-19 categories, as well as a number of special awards including the Governorsā and Principalās Award.
Speaking at the dinner and awards ceremony, York College Chief Executive and Principal, Lee Probert, said it was āfabulous to be able to deliver the awards in personā.
He said: āAll the students here tonight, whether nominees or winners, have an incredible story about their learning journey and it was heart-warming to see the commitment they put into their studies and their time at York College.ā
Mr Probert told the students the difficulties they faced studying during lockdown had never been underestimated and said ānobody can take away what you have earnedā.
āAbove all ā go off to be successful and know that we are proud of you.ā
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Double award-winning joinery student, Abigail Stevens, 19, said: āIām happy and excited and shocked. I just didnāt expect to win at all. I feel really proud tonight.
āBut the tutors have been brilliant ā they not only have knowledge but they know how to teach it to us in a fun way.ā
Abigailās proud mum, Christine said: āIām tearful and overjoyed. She worked so hard and achieved this all on her own.ā
Fellow award winner Louis Hollowed, 19, was also surprised by his win. āNo way,ā he said. āI was not expecting this then I saw my tutor come up on the big screens, saying all these things about my work.
āItās been a great night all round.ā
As well as the ceremony and dinner, the students were treated to a speech by award-winning actress, lawyer and charity campaigner Yvonne Okyere-Whalley.
York Collegeās final awards ceremony of the academic year takes place on Thursday July 7, when the College celebrates the achievements of its construction students and apprentices.
The York College Reach Awards 2022 results:
Over 19s
Contribution to College Life & Community Award, sponsored by Better York - Alison Mellor
Progression Award, Portakabin Ltd - Hidde Versloot
Inclusivity/Student Role Model Award, sponsored by York Minster - Matt Walton
Most Determined Student Award, sponsored by Mercure York - Sierra Harvey
Outstanding Achievement Award, sponsored by No 1. York - Steven Ryan
Apprentices
Outstanding Achievement Award, sponsored by Bettys and Taylors - Abigail Stevens
Inclusivity/Student Role Model Award, sponsored by Simpsons York - Connor Brown
Progression Award, sponsored by Britcom - Dylan Kay
Most Determined Student Award, sponsored by Severfield - Lindsay Walby
Contribution to College Life & Community Award, sponsored by Better York - Harry Jenner
Under 19s
Inclusivity/Student Role Model Award, sponsored by Vinci - Ellen Hicks
Most Determined Student Award, sponsored by Nimbus - Amelia Annear
Contribution to College Life & Community Award, sp0onsored by Better York - Danielle Coning
Progression Award, sponsored by Flamingo Land - Louis Hollowed
Outstanding Achievement Award, sponsored by The Grand, York ā Robyn Prince
Special awards
LIAM Award for Music - Alexander Flouri
LIAM Award for Art ā Emily Brookes
Carolineās Rainbow Foundation Award ā Natalie Mustard
Governorsā Award - Abigail Stevens
Principalās Award - Katie Partridge