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Student celebrations signal the end of another successful year

Posted onPosted on 4th Jul

The final week of the academic year ended with celebrations at West Nottinghamshire College as students’ hard work, skills, and success in overcoming adversity was recognised at three awards ceremonies at the college’s Derby Road campus.

Accolades were presented to 240 students from each curriculum area by principal and chief executive Andrew Cropley, vice-principal for curriculum and quality Diane Booth, and chair of governors Kate Truscott.

The trio of ceremonies — compered by vice-principal for communications, engagement and student experience Louise Knott — were organised by Level 3 business students, as part of extra-curricular activities through their learning company The Eventors.

Managing the week’s events, supported by programme area leader Kim Carlin, were students Ammarah Miah, Sorina Milos, Ilaisa Dau, Sebastian Golcz, Lewis Bond, Sara Sajjad, Lara Fesu, Denisa Opincaru, Olivia Staniforth, Chloe Eato, Evie Lupton and Amelie Stirland-Fell.

The students organised front-of-house coverage, catering, décor, booked the staging and lighting facilities, created awards and certificates, produced marketing materials, and invited the nominees, guests, and VIPs. They were also involved in designing the invitations, presentations, and programmes — and writing the scripts.

Guests from organisations that work with the college attended, including from Ashfield District, Mansfield District, and Nottinghamshire County councils, Nottingham Trent University, Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Trust, Electric Bear, Mansfield CVS, and Futures, as well as college governors and former students.

Awards including hardest working student, most resilient student, most employable student, most enthusiastic student, most improved student, the student who has gone the extra mile, and apprentice of the year.

The main accolade was the principal’s award, presented each night to individuals whose skills, qualities, and abilities set them apart from their peers.

On the first night it was presented to Luisa Vasiljeva-Uselati, a student on the Beginners Preparation For Study programme at Mansfield Education Hub (MEH).

Luisa, who also won the extra mile award, was praised for exceeding expectations and being a positive role model to her peers, and for being the only student at MEH with 100% attendance.

Her willingness to support a fellow student who has epilepsy, recognising the signs of a seizure and keeping the tutor aware, was also acknowledged.

Luisa said: “I was so nervous when my name was called out to say I’d won the principal’s award. I am proud, though, and my mum and dad were here with me to celebrate.

“I am enjoying college a lot and next academic year I’m going to the Derby Road campus to study on the Step-up and Progress programme. I hope to do beauty therapy, as that’s what I’d like to do for a job.”

There were two winners of the principal’s award at the second event, with judges equally impressed by construction student Kian Smith and 38-year-old plumbing and domestic heating apprentice Martin Richards.

Kian, who was also named most improved construction student, has shown growth through dedication, resilience, and a consistently positive attitude.

The teenager, who studies the Introductory Award in Construction Skills, also played a key role in a college garden project, demonstrating strong work ethic and leadership to help transform the garden, at the Derby Road campus, into a more inclusive space for wheelchair users.

“I’m grateful that my teachers believed in what I could do and in my ability to change,” he said. “I’ve matured a lot since leaving secondary school and coming to college. I used to fool around at school but I’ve really grown as a person over the past year.”

Fellow principal’s award winner Martin, who also won the building services apprentice of the year award, was recognised for his outstanding commitment and strong work ethic. His impressive portfolio showcased deep knowledge and capability, with submissions of such high quality that they rarely need changing.

Balancing the demands of a young family and home life, he has completed more than 500 hours of off-the-job learning.

Father-of-two Martin, of Mansfield, is half-way through a four-year Plumbing and Domestic Heating Technician Level 3 apprenticeship with A. Coombe Plumbing Contractors, based in Sutton, attending the college’s Station Park campus once a week for technical training.

He said: “It’s been difficult balancing work and home life, but I’ve committed myself to my studies, knowing that at the end of the apprenticeship I’m going to have my qualifications and be able to do a lot with them, which is the end goal.

“I really appreciate the nominations and the support of my wife, children, and employer, Ashley King, who has allowed me the opportunity to change career at a later age.

“Prior to this, I spent several years working in social services, supporting adults with learning disabilities, so this is very different type of work, but extremely rewarding.”

Paige Bainbridge scooped the principal’s award on the final evening, in addition to the learner of the year award for her department, after teachers praised her work on the Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship.

Paige has worked with her manager at Optilight Electrical Services Ltd to develop a new process for managing direct maintenance jobs that require parts ordering, helping to improve efficiency and clarity across teams.

Alongside her apprenticeship, Paige is also completing a leadership award, highlighting her ongoing commitment to learning and growth, consistently applying what she learns in a practical, business-focused way, giving more than what’s expected.

She also played a key role in reworking the company’s LinkedIn page. With a colleague, she reviewed existing content, identified where it fell short of reflecting the company’s values, and produced new, high-quality material that aligned with the organisation’s mission.

Paige said: “I’ve been nominated twice before for student awards when I was doing my A-Levels, so it shocked me to hear my name called out again. I’m really happy and feel rather proud.”

Principal Andrew Cropley said: “I love these events. Hearing tale after tale of how these learners have grasped the opportunities offered by the college, worked hard to fulfil their potential, and sought out ways to make the most of their time with us all serves to remind us why we do what we do.

“Looking out from the stage and seeing the pride and joy in the eyes of their friends, relatives and carers shows us just how much this success means to them.

“It’s a delight that all of this is brought to life by our business students through the Eventors learning company, providing them with a great opportunity to take responsibility and deliver an outstanding experience. Congratulations to them and to all our nominees and winners, I’m so proud of you all!”

Kim Carlin, programme area leader for business studies, said: “Many students willingly stepped outside of their comfort zones, taking on new roles and adapting to challenges with remarkable maturity and teamwork. It was inspiring to see how confidently they represented the college and how warmly they engaged with our guests.”