The hard work, dedication and achievements of star students at the City of Bath College have been celebrated at an annual awards ceremony.
The Celebrating Success Awards at The Guildhall saw around 50 students from a range of different courses being praised for their progress during the 2012/13 academic year.
Matt Atkinson, City of Bath College Principal, told the audience of 200 people that the awards were his highlight of the year as they celebrated “fantastic students doing fantastic things.”
He said: “The night is about celebrating our very worthy award winners. We have such talented students that it is only right that we recognise their achievements.”
Among the students receiving awards was Uriel Renton, 20, from Bath. He received The Mayor’s Award for Outstanding Achievement for his “determination and dedication to voluntarily give up his time to put words into practice.”
He addresses equality issues in his community as a member of Bath’s Young People’s Equality Group and Bath and North East Somerset’s Youth Action Group. He has also recently been elected to the position of the College’s Students’ Union Equality and Diversity Officer.
Uriel, who hopes to become a teaching assistant, said: “It was an honour to receive the award but I am just doing what I believe in.
“I think more people should speak up, young people deserve to get their voices heard.”
Mum-of-three Jo Blackburn received the Sarah Woodhouse Achievement Award for returning to full-time study to fulfil her ambition of going to university. Jo, who is now studying Psychology at the University of Bath after passing the Access to Higher Education programme, sat up “many long nights working on assignments and was never satisfied until she had achieved her absolute best.”
The High Sheriff of Somerset’s Citizenship Award went to student Grace Moyle who progressed from student to leader to make a difference to her community. She was studying Travel & Tourism when she signed up to do voluntary work with the National Citizenship Service, and now, just months later, she is working for the NCS as an activity tutor.
The Bath Priory Hotel’s Executive Chef Sam Moody received an award for his Outstanding Contribution to Training for the Hospitality Industry.
It came as a “complete surprise” as the Michelin star chef was invited to the ceremony to present awards to catering students.
Sam said: “I really believe working with the College is important to help prepare students for the world of work.
“I am more than happy to share my energy and enthusiasm for the job I love.
“Unfortunately TV tends to show the celebrity side of catering with chefs gaining almost instant success, but in reality It’s a challenging job with long hours. This is why we have to work together to help those just starting out.”
It was a double celebration for Bath’s Priory Hotel as Hayley Smith also won Hospitality Apprentice of the Year. She was described as “motivated, enthusiastic and driven” and was said to have “the passion to continually succeed.”
All award winners were presented with a certificate and a Bath Aqua Glass paper weight from the College’s Chair of Governors Nicole O’Flaherty.
Guests of honour at the awards night on Thursday, October 24th included Vice-Chairman of Bath and North East Somerset Council Councillor Martin Veal, Bath’s Deputy Mayor Councillor Ian Gilchrist and Bath’s Former Mayor Councillor Loraine Morgan-Brinkhurst.