The final week of the academic year ended with great applause and celebrations at West Nottinghamshire College as students’ hard work, skills and success in overcoming adversity was recognised at three awards ceremonies.
Award winners from the first night of celebrations.
Teachers, students, parents, carers, governors and special guests came together for the much-loved end-of-year awards celebrations at the college’s Derby Road campus.
Over the three nights, awards were presented to students from each curriculum area by principal and chief executive Andrew Cropley MBE, chair of governors Kate Truscott and representatives from award sponsors including Specialist Neurodiversity Assessments Ltd, Hickling & Squires, Vaughandale Construction, Park Hall Financial Services and Mansfield Building Society.
The celebratory events were compered by vice-principal for communications, engagement and student experience Louise Knott, took place on Tuesday 23, Wednesday 24 and Thursday 25 June. The events were attended by a number of VIP guests from a range of businesses that the college works closely with including Vaughandale Construction, Hickling & Squires, Park Hall Financial Services Ltd, Mansfield Building Society, Specialist Neurodiversity Assessments Ltd and Tracey J Davenport JP DL From the Nottinghamshire Lieutenancy office.
Steve Yemm MP for Mansfield was also in attendance and handed out one of the principals’ awards and other representatives who attended included Ashfield District Council, Mansfield District Council, Brighter Mansfield, East Midlands Chamber, Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Nottinghamshire County Council, AF Switchgear, Boneham & Turner Ltd, Gordian Consulting, LH Woodhouse & Co Ltd, Eaton, Nottingham Trent University, and futures, plus college governors and former students.
Awards spanned a range of categories including hardest working student, most resilient student, most employable student, most enthusiastic student, most improved student, the student who has gone the extra mile, and apprentice of the year.
The main accolade was the principal’s award, presented each night to individuals whose skills, qualities and abilities set them apart from their peers.
The principal's award on the first night was presented to 18-year-old Elissa Dixon, who studied the Advanced Extended Diploma Sport Women's Football Programme.
Principal’s award winner Elissa Dixon receives her accolade from principal Andrew Cropley and Deputy Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire Tracey Davenport JP DL.
Elissa, who had just collected the sport department's Extra Mile Award, was recognised for her outstanding leadership, commitment and determination. As an Association of Colleges ambassador, she has gone above and beyond to organise football tournaments, champion opportunities for women and girls, and encourage greater participation in sport among under-represented groups, including young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Despite undergoing knee surgery during the academic year and facing another operation following an injury to her other knee, Elissa continued to volunteer, inspire others and lead by example with her enthusiasm and positivity.
Elissa said: “I was really shocked because I've been through a lot this year. I don't expect anything in return for what I do. I just do it because it's my thing. My passion is working with children and getting the best out of them.
“When I look back at everything I've achieved this year, I realise I've actually come a long way.”
The winner of the principal’s award at the second event on the Wednesday evening, was 18-year-old Kieran Chadburn, who is a student on the Level 1 Introductory Award in Construction Skills course at the Old Brewery campus.
Andrew Cropley and Councillor James Walker-Gurley present Kieran Chadburn with his principal’s award.
Kieran, who was also named as the Old Brewery campus student of the year, has shown true resilience despite what life has put in his way. Setbacks which he has faced in his personal life have made his achievements even more remarkable. Teachers praised the way that he arrives at college, the way he conducts himself, and the mindset he brings every single day, saying that he is the definition of perseverance and growth.
Kieran said: "Winning this award feels amazing and has made me really proud of what I've achieved at college so far. College has been very different from school for me, and I feel like I've come a long way since I started. I've loved meeting new people, trying new things and being part of such a supportive environment where everyone is wonderful.
“Receiving this award is one of my happiest moments and has given me even more motivation as I continue my journey next year."
All award winners from the second evening of awards giving.
Seventeen-year-old Remy O’Shea scooped the principal’s award on the final evening, in addition to the business studies’ perseverance award after teachers praised him for an extra-ordinary turnaround of his character. Remy joined college after a difficult past educational experience which impacted his view of what education could be.
Student Remy O’Shea receives his principal’s award from Andrew Cropley and MP for Mansfield Steve Yemm.
At the beginning of his course, he was overwhelmed by assignments and uncertainty of his career path, and came incredibly close to quitting the course, but Remy chose to work past this, adapted to change and built resilience, shattering barriers that once held him back. Teachers recognised how he is thriving and always ready to support others and wanted to champion his perseverance.
Remy said: "I'm absolutely over the moon to have won these awards and would like to thank all of the Business staff for nominating me and supporting me throughout my time at college. Receiving the principal's award was a complete surprise and a real honour. I'm delighted to be celebrating with my family and feel very proud of everything I've achieved so far."
Night three’s award winners were proud on stage.
Principal and chief executive Andrew Cropley MBE said: “Our student awards are always one of the highlights of the college year. Every award winner and nominee has their own story of determination, resilience and achievement, and it is a privilege to celebrate everything they have accomplished during their time with us.
"Seeing students recognised in front of their families, friends and supporters makes the evening especially memorable, and the pride in the room is something truly special. These celebrations also give us an opportunity to recognise the dedication of our staff, whose commitment and encouragement help our students to thrive and succeed."