Student success recognised at awards ceremony

[Andy Walters]

 

Sussex Downs College held its annual awards ceremony at the Grand Hotel in Eastbourne (Thursday 5 January) to honour and recognise outstanding student success.

The evening celebrated students’ achievements from across the college and also acted as a showcase for students’ work through displays and performances. Awards were presented to the successful students by the Mayor of Lewes, Councillor John Stockdale; the Mayor of Eastbourne, Councillor Carolyn Heaps and the Eastbourne MP, Stephen Lloyd.

Melanie Hunt, Principal and Chief Executive of Sussex Downs College said: “The evening celebrated the outstanding work and achievements of our students, seeing some of their work ‘in action’ and also recognising the remarkable success of 22 of our fantastic learners.

“Our Award winners were joined on the evening by representatives from our sponsors as well as their parents, partners, family and friends, who play a major role in students’ success. Without the support and encouragement of those around us, success is much more difficult to achieve. This year each winner also invited a member of staff to join them; someone who has made a difference to them during their time at Sussex Downs College.

“We are very grateful to our partners and local companies for their generous sponsorship of this evening. Our main sponsors are South East Water, Chartwells and Ocean Contract Cleaning.

“Our expert and committed staff have, for the fifth year running, improved student success rates on our long courses (the majority of our provision), keeping us in the top ten per cent of colleges nationally. They have also helped learners to win national awards, gold medals in regional competitions and progress to some of the most prestigious universities, as well as helping many students to find employment – a remarkable achievement in such challenging economic times.”

Lynsey Bartlett, was the guest presenter, whose voice will be familiar to listeners of the breakfast programme on Heart FM, and who worked at Sussex Downs whilst cutting her teeth in the competitive and exciting world of radio.

Guests were welcomed by Travel and Tourism students from the college. Entertainment at the reception was provided by magician Sam Jones, a former Performing Arts student and a Pre Professional Music string quartet from the East Sussex Music Academy, consisting of Juliette Gregg (Leader), Holly Gurney (2nd violin), Tom Widdicombe (viola) and Rosie Taekema (Cello).

During the evening guests also listened to singing performances from Performing Art students, Lois Russell-Moyle, Ellie Goddard and Holly Manning.

Table decorations and bouquets were provided by Judy Kneen floristry lecturer.

Our congratulations to our winners and those highly commended.

Lewes 6th Form College Award sponsored by Mayo Wynne Baxter
Winner
Luke Wakelen (17) from Wivelsfield Green, a former Chailey School pupil

Highly Commended
Juliette Gregg (17) from Lewes, a former Priory School pupil

Eastbourne Vocational College Award sponsored by Eastprint
Winner
Reece Love (19) from East Dean, a former Ratton School pupil

Highly Commended
Jade Govan (20) from Hailsham, a former Hailsham Community College pupil

Park College Award sponsored by Harding Neill & Watson
Winner
Katherine Bristow (19) from Eastbourne, a former Heathfield Community College pupil

Highly Commended
Holly Hubble (17) from Bexhill, a former Claverham Community College pupil

International Student Award sponsored by Baker Tilley
Winner
Yuka Furuya (16) from Japan

Highly Commended
Inmaculada Gomez Criado (25) from Spain

Higher Education Award sponsored by RSM Tenon
Winner
Jaki Poyton (21) from Eastbourne, a former Oathall School pupil

Highly Commended
Julian Dixon (19) from Eastbourne

Adult Learner Achiever Award sponsored by Lloyds TSB
Winner
Patrick Laganowski (26) from Eastbourne

Highly Commended
Lorna Gordon (20) from Eastbourne, a former ETC (Eastbourne Academy) pupil

Apprentice Award sponsored by Jones the Bootmaker
Winner
Edward Salvi (18) from Polegate, a former Willingdon School pupil

Highly Commended
Julie Allen (39) from Heathfield

Contribution to Student Life Award sponsored by Harveys Brewery
Winner
Dan Gravenor (18) from Newhaven, a former Tideway School pupil

Highly Commended
Josh Babarinde (18) from Eastbourne, a former Cavendish School pupil

The Max Healey Award for
14-19 Learner Achievement sponsored by Mrs Susan Healey
Winner
Sally Capewell (20) from North Chailey, a former Longhill School pupil

Highly Commended
Fraser Caygill (19) from Eastbourne, a former Willingdon School pupil

Returning to Learning Award sponsored by The Grand Hotel
Winner
Daryl Cole (20) from Eastbourne

Highly Commended
Amy Boarer (18) from Cooksbridge

First Step Learning Award sponsored by Marsh
Winner
Jarrad Rush (17) from Seaford, a former Seaford Head pupil

Sporting Excellence Award sponsored by Albion in the Community
Winner
Abby Skinner (17) from Lindfield, a former Oathall School pupil