College’s brightest stars shine at awards night
MORE than 100 of Hopwood Hall College’s highest achieving students were honoured at the college’s 2018 Further Education Awards.
Nominated by their tutors, 116 students from 66 different courses received awards for progress and achievement in their studies, with some singled out for special awards.
Among the guests in attendance at the at the Middleton Arena event were the MP for Heywood and Middleton, Liz McInnes and the mayor, Councillor Mohammed Zaman.
They joined the college’s teaching, support and executive staff along with the students’ family and friends.
CEO of Bishyika.com, Eric Bishyika, who became a CEO at the age of just 21, was as a guest speaker.
Work Skills student Karl Watson won The Lesley Hawkins Skills for Life Student of the Year Award, a new award created in the memory of long-time staff member and Vice Principal, Lesley Hawkins, who sadly passed away this year.
In the apprenticeships category, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Rochdale, Sam Webster, Lauren Wood and Luke Webster (all Business Administration Intermediate Apprentices) collected awards presented by Ann Stott, president of the Rotary Club of Rochdale.
Winners of the Queen Elizabeth Foundation Awards, presented by Henry West, were; Victor Axel Brenner (Graphic Design), Courtney Barlow (Childcare and Education), Eboni Burke (Early Years), Toby Cartwright (ICT), Matthew Newton (Professional Cookery) and Lauren Holroyd (Work Skills).
These awards were given to students who had previously studied at a secondary school in Middleton.
Textiles and Fashion student Bailey Pearson took home the Emerson Educational Trust Award, presented by John Durcan, trustee of the Emerson Educational Trust.
Sponsored by Reed Education, the Student Star of the Year Awards went to HR Apprentice, Luke Webster (Bronze), Creative and Media Production student, Hassan Ali (Silver) and UPS student Ciaran Morris (Gold).
Staff at Hopwood Hall College also received awards of recognition. Skills for Life Student Support Tutor, Amber Whitehead was voted ‘Staff Star of the Year’ by the staff of the College, while Sports Student Support Tutor, Chelsea Clegg, won the ‘Staff Member of the Year’ Award as voted for by the students at Hopwood Hall.
Speaking at the ceremony, Hopwood Hall College Principal, Derek O’Toole, said: “These students are but a small selection of the high calibre learners we have at ●●Luke Webster, Amber Whitehead, Hassan Ali, Derek O’Toole, Ciaran Morris, Karl Watson, Chelsea Clegg and MP Liz McInnes at Hopwood Hall Colleges awards night Hopwood Hall College.
“I’d also like to thank the families and tutors who have backed our nominees throughout their studies, as well as our stakeholders and supporters from the local community in attendance tonight. The success of this College truly is testament to efforts of the community as a whole.”