Being named Redcar and Cleveland College’s Student of the Year came as a surprise for beauty student Emily.
Having joined the college as a part-time adult student, in the last year she has achieved more than she could have ever expected.
Recognised with two awards at the college’s annual Celebration of Achievement, she said: “It felt like an incredible shock, especially surrounded by fellow students who have achieved so much.”
It certainly seems like the icing on the cake for the 26-year-old from Skelton who has recently picked up what feels like the dream job as a trainee therapist at Rockliffe Hall, a five-star hotel, golf and spa resort.
Proud to even be nominated for the college’s Hair and Beauty Student of the Year title, to go on and win, and then be named Student of the Year on top, she said felt pretty amazing.
Sponsored by the Sir William Turner Foundation, Redcar and Cleveland College’s annual awards give learners of all ages their moment to shine.
With 19 titles up for grabs this year, once again, there was plenty to celebrate.
Jay, of Guisborough, was among those to achieve a double award win.
Described by his teachers as “the model student”, the 16-year-old was announced Public Services and Policing Student of the Year and was named 16 to 18 Further Education Student of the Year.
“I feel really honoured,” said Jay who is a cadet with Cleveland Police and gives his time to multiple committees and panels in a bid to support others. He was also one of two Redcar and Cleveland College students to take part in the Tall Ships Race, made possible thanks to funding from the Sir William Turner Foundation.
With ambitions to become a police officer himself, he described the policing course at Redcar and Cleveland College as crucial to helping get him where he wants to be.
All the volunteering, well that comes as second nature to Jay who loves to feel he is making a difference.
“One thing just leads to the next,” he said. “I like to get stuck in and do whatever I can.”
Jason Faulkner, executive principal at Redcar and Cleveland College, said: “Yet again I am staggered by the commitment and achievement of students across the college. Our annual awards ceremony is a chance to step back and really take stock of what happens in the classroom, the real difference that we are making to people’s lives and the outstanding contribution and efforts of our learners.
“I would like to say a big well done, not only to our award winners and nominees, but to all those students consistently working hard to achieve their own goals.”
Want to know more about the courses available at Redcar and Cleveland College? It’s not too late to apply for courses starting this September. With courses for all ages, including part-time programmes and higher education, visit: www.cleveland.ac.uk
