FE News | Sheffield College students have been honored at an annual ceremony

Sheffield College students who have gone above and beyond in their studies or been an inspirational role model have been honored at an annual ceremony.

Young people and adults studying a wide range of academic and technical qualifications were supported at this year’s Student Celebration Awards.

The awards recognize the efforts and achievements of students in 18 categories and were presented during a ceremony held at Kelham Island Museum.

Around 200 guests, including award finalists, parents and carers, college staff and governors attended the event on 11 June 2024.

Angela Foulkes CBE, Chief Executive and Principal, Sheffield Collegesaid:

“I am incredibly proud of all our inspirational finalists, who are a credit to themselves and the power of further education to transform lives through learning.

“Our students have won this recognition for achieving something amazing, going above and beyond their studies, showing determination and resilience or being a brilliant role model. Thanks also to our brilliant staff for their support and encouragement along the way.”

This guest speaker was student Will Day and Steve Frampton MBE, an expert in further education and the Association of Colleges’ sustainability consultant.

This year’s award winners are:

• Adult Achievement Award – Kevin Hall
• Student of the Year in Advanced Vehicles, Engineering and Digital Technologies – Jaymie-Jai Graham
• Arts and Creative Industries Student of the Year – Hannah Grimshaw
• Construction Technologies Student of the Year – Abi Fawdry
• Employer Skills Academy Recognition Award – Reece Ramzan
• English, Maths and ESOL Student of the Year – Soma Qadry
• Events, Hospitality and Food Technology Student of the Year – Olivia Doran
• Student of the Year in Fitness and Life Sciences – Sofia Cam
• FREDIE+ Champion – Bradley Taylor
• Health, Care and Medical Technologies Student of the Year – Jev Jakuta
• Inclusion Student of the Year – Chishimba Chikwa
• Outstanding Achievement Award – Ella Willmott
• Professional Studies Student of the Year – Tom Sanders
• Service Industry Student of the Year – Lucy Myers
• Sixth Form Student of the Year – Sophie Eusman
• Sustainability Champion – Kieran Walker
• T Level Student of the Year – Monty Campbell
• UC Sheffield Student of the Year – Jess Nettleship

Student speaker Will Day, 18, studied at Sheffield Elite Basketball Academy, which is part of the Elite Sports Employer Skills Academy.

Will also benefited from the college’s sports scholarship program, which allows elite athletes to focus on their studies and compete at the highest level.

Will, who plans to study a degree in philosophy and psychology at Durham University, said:

“Studying at Sheffield College really broadened my horizons.

“I enjoyed invaluable experiences in a very positive environment, made lifelong memories, including going on amazing basketball trips to Europe and America, and grew in confidence. I felt part of something bigger because of my tutors.”

Abi Fawdry, 18, who received the Construction Technologies Student of the Year award and is completing a Level 3 BTEC in Building Services, was praised for her hard work, perseverance and inspirational determination to succeed.

Abi, who is preparing to join the Royal Air Force, said:

“I feel a little overwhelmed and excited to win this award!

Chishimba Chikwa, 20, who won the Inclusion Student of the Year award, is completing a sustained placement with the Northern General Hospital’s Linen Services team at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Chishimba, who was praised for being a dedicated, hard-working model student with exceptional presence and manners, said:

“I feel very good about this award. I really enjoyed my placement. My next steps are to secure a job.”

Jess Nettleship, 19, who is studying a foundation degree in baking and pastry science, won the UC Sheffield Student of the Year award. UC Sheffield is home to the college’s university-level qualifications.

Jess, who is progressing at Sheffield Hallam University and wants to open a business in the future, said:

“It’s amazing to receive this award. All the hard work was worth it.”

Design student Bradley Taylor, 18, scooped the FREDIE+ Champion award in recognition of helping other students feel safe, welcome and included.

Bradley said:

“I feel very happy with this award. I think the college is very inclusive and I really enjoyed my course. A highlight was the Turing Scheme trip to St Lucia which was amazing.”

Meanwhile, Kieran Walker, 21, won the Sustainability Champion award for helping the college become a hedgehog-friendly campus and for volunteering in the local community.

Kieran said:

“I am absolutely over the moon. He was fantastic at college and receiving this award is one of the best things that has happened to me in my life. It just blew me away.”

Talented kickboxer Ella Willmott, 18, who received the Outstanding Achievement Award, is studying a Level 3 Sport and Exercise Science Diploma. Ella’s career ambition is to train as a physiotherapist or sports coach.

Ella, who was supported by the college’s sports scholarship scheme, said:

“I feel shocked and surprised to win this award. I really enjoyed all aspects of my course, including going to Brazil on the Turing program and I learned so much.”

Meanwhile, Monty Campbell, 16, won the T Level Student of the Year award. Monty, who is completing a T-level in digital support services, said: “Studying a new qualification has been a very positive experience. I really enjoyed the job.”

Photo credit: Joe Horner