Former students of Huddersfield New College have started the new year in style.
The class of 2015 gathered at Huddersfield Town Hall for the college’s annual awards evening after gathering record-breaking results.
In front of a packed auditorium of 900 special guests, staff, students and their families came together to celebrate the achievements of the students.
Special guests included Colne Valley Conservative MP Jason McCartney, University of Huddersfield’s Deputy Vice Chancellor Tim Thornton, and the Mayor of Kirklees , Clr Paul Kane.
Prof Thornton, who was also the guest speaker for the evening, presented the Professor Bob Cryan, Vice Chancellor of Huddersfield’s Personal Award for Most Inspiring Student to Sarah Dransfield in his absence.
All the students in attendance had an extra reason to celebrate this year, as they all played a part in helping the college to post some of its best ever exam results in August 2015, ensuring that the college remained number one in the Kirklees area for student achievement.
Guests enjoyed a musical opening to the evening, with Ella Greenwood delivering a piano performance during the drinks reception, followed by Sophie Stones’ performance of the 2nd Movement from Haydn’s Trumpet Concerto and a vocal solo from Ethan Marescaux, who sang Bring Him Home from the musical ‘Les Miserables’.
Almost 300 students were recognised for their achievements, receiving certificates, vouchers and plaques to celebrate and reward their success. Nine of those students were also given special awards for their exceptional performance inside and outside of college.
Clr Kane presented the Huddersfield New College Award for Contribution to the Wider Community to Jacob Holmes. Jennifer O’Sullivan received the Sheffield Hallam University Annual Academic Achievement Award, presented by the Chair of Governors, Linda Summers.
The final special award of the evening was presented by the College’s Principal, Angela Williams to Lucy Myers, Megan Hirst, Bethany Gill, Katie Gallagher and Tyra Bown, who were all nominated for the Contribution to the College Community Award.
