Students are the stars as Stoke-on-Trent College celebrates another successful year
Emotions ran high as students, their families and special guests heard how students had often overcome disabilities and personal difficulties to achieve their educational goals.
The Celebrating Success event was held at the Kings Hall, Stoke, to mark the achievements of students at Stoke-on-Trent College during the current academic year.
Major award winners included:
Award : ‘Achieving despite difficult circumstances’
Winner: Nathan Blackaby, aged 17, from Meir.
Nathan is a young carer for his foster mum who has been extremely poorly and is also blind. While caring for his mum Nathan managed to maintain his full time place in College, achieving 94% attendance.
Nathan has a fantastic sense of humour and often has everyone ‘in stitches’ with his expressions and comments and it is only when talking on a one to one basis that Nathan opens up about his ‘other life’ at home and the extent of this role.
Sadly, Nathan’s mum passed away recently and this award will go some way towards recognising Nathan’s hard work and the empathy and care shown to his mum over the years.
Award : ‘Student of the Year’
Winner: Natasha Taylor, aged 17, from Bentilee.
Natasha is a student who has suffered with health issues and personal problems, but despite this she has shown a level of interest and achievement on her programme that is outstanding.
She is always well ahead with her assignments and is satisfied with nothing less than distinctions. Her results in online examinations are also excellent and this will undoubtedly lead to Natasha achieving her goal to become a self employed auto electrician, following an interest in cars from an early age.
Natasha is an inspiration to her fellow students and is the first to offer help with coursework if any of her peer group are struggling.
Despite her display of outstanding effort and commitment, Natasha is very modest. Winning this award will improve Natasha’s confidence and realisation of her potential.
Award : ‘Sporting Achievement’
Winner: Najee Fox, aged 18, from Adderley Green.
Last year Najee was ranked second under 20 year old in the UK for the shot putt with a throw of 15.38m and 4th in the Discus with a throw of 51.98m. This successful year resulted in Najee becoming the English Schools Champion, and 4th in the National Championships, both for the Discus.
Najee was also Staffordshire County Champion in both throwing events.
Najee’s achievements are especially remarkable considering that several years ago he suffered horrific, career threatening injuries to his leg after being involved in a road traffic accident.
For more information visit www.stokecollege.ac.uk or join us on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/StokeonTrentCollege
