City College Plymouth was proud to celebrate its students at their annual Student Awards on Thursday 13 June.
Hosted at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, the award ceremony is the College’s largest celebration of the successes and hard work students have achieved over the past academic year.
Award winners, their families, College staff and esteemed employer guests were treated to a performance from the College’s dance students as well as an entertaining and engaging address from special guest speaker, Dan Fitzpatrick. A prominent figure in the field of education and artificial intelligence, Dan was a former teacher who turned his career upside down. He is now a bestselling author, international speaker and strategic consultant. In his work with schools, universities, and businesses, he helps them innovate for the future of emergent technology.
Students receiving recognition in each of the College’s 36 curriculum areas, spanned a cross-section of abilities and backgrounds representative of Plymouth’s vibrant population. From 17-year-old Charlie Lipinksi, who won The Georgie Francis Memorial Award for English, to Hairdressing Student of the Year, Molly Smyth, the awards made sure to highlight students for a multitude of accolades.
Among the many inspiring stories, one standout was that of Hannah Blight, who was named Access to Higher Education Student of the Year. Hannah, a Level 3 Access to Science and Nursing student, is a perfect example of someone with exceptional resilience and unwavering commitment to her studies. Despite facing health challenges, her remarkable ability to maintain high academic standards, alongside offering support to her peers, has made her a beacon of positivity around the College. Hannah’s journey is a powerful testament to overcoming adversity with grace, and she’s proof that you can achieve whatever you set your mind to.
Eight of the curriculum award winners were also specially selected to receive additional merits by the College’s employer partners. These top Plymouth employers work closely with the College to create real-life learning experiences, develop training and curriculum programmes, and contribute to the College’s state-of-the-art facilities.
This year’s recipients of the employer sponsored awards were: Charlie Cargill, Digital Innovation Award sponsored by C-Learning; David Brighton, Employability Award sponsored by the China Fleet Country Club; Jack Gerry, Leadership Award sponsored by Argyle Community Trust; Jayden Rowe, Peer Support Award sponsored by the University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust; Hannah Blight, Perseverance Award sponsored by Bailey Partnership; Charlie Lipinski, Student Voice Award sponsored by Babcock International Group; Holly Whittaker, Sustainability Award sponsored by YGS Landscapes; and James Dunn, Volunteering Award sponsored by Taurus Events.
Awards were also presented to Lakaysha Lomax-Pay by the Students’ Union and to Imogen Early by the Board of Governors in recognition for their positive contributions to College life.
The final award of the evening went to Abi Daly who received the Chief Executive’s Award. Abi was recognised as an advocate for students with learning difficulties and disabilities, demonstrating her commitment to affecting real change.
“I was immensely proud to celebrate our exceptional students at this year’s awards,” said City College’s Chief Executive, Jackie Grubb.
“Their stories of success, personal growth and exceptional accomplishments make what we do as both educators and employers worthwhile. I hope that all of our students, not just tonight’s award winners, can take this feeling of pride in their achievements with them as they take their first steps towards their future careers.”
