Derby College Peak Performers
Derby College has officially recognised the hard work and dedication of students and staff at the 8th annual Peak Awards event held at The Roundhouse vocational campus.
More than 60 students and staff were presented with awards at the glittering ceremony which was organised as the climax of the College’s Celebration Week to showcase the talents of students across all campuses.
The Peak Awards winners ranged from A level and vocational students who joined the College from school to apprentices, mature students and company employees who have completed qualifications in the workplace. Teaching and support staff who have made a special contribution to College life were also recognised.
Principal David Croll told the audience of staff, students, their family and friends and local businesses who sponsored individual awards that the Peak Awards were always a special celebration of achievement.
“I am so moved every year to hear about the success that our students have achieved, often against the odds. This is a wonderful opportunity to applaud those successes and offer encouragement for them all to go on and achieve even greater things in the future.”
Among the Peak Award winners was Lucy Jones (22) from Hulland Ward who has been blind since birth and has been supported through her Art & Design course at Derby College to help her earn a place at university in Bristol to study Textiles and Ceramics.
Lucy said: “I couldn’t have done this course without the support of everyone here at Derby College and I am over the moon to have won this award.”
Her tutor Jo Ferrari added: “Lucy is an inspiration to us all and we are extremely proud of what she has achieved.”
Fellow learner Jacob Robinson (17) from Ilkeston won the Hospitality and Catering Award in recognition of his work in his own time to perfect his culinary craft skills.
He said: “I now plan to stay on at College to do the next level course and my aim is to get an apprenticeship in the catering industry. I love being part of a restaurant both in the kitchen and front of house and we get really good work experience here at the Roundhouse’s Engine Shed restaurant.”
The Sports Excellence Award was presented to Emma Walsh (19) from Mickleover who has represented the College in national competitions for football and mixed Badminton and is now going onto Nottingham Trent University to continue her studies.
And the Care award went to Karl Judge (18) from Ilkeston who was the only male on the childcare course. “I really love being at College and I hope to go onto university and then train to be a teacher after leaving here next year.”
The Skills for Life Award went to Tasmine Zendera (17) who came to Derby College to complete her GCSE education after moving to the UK with her family from Zimbabwe. Among her achievements was an A* in Business Studies and she is now planning to do A levels at the College’s Joseph Wright Centre.
“It was difficult moving to a new country but I was determined to continue my education. I am really looking forward to doing A levels and hope to go onto university to do criminal psychology.”
Among the adult learners who gained recognition was IT Outreach student of the year Allan Middleton (56) from Oakwood who returned to learning after being made redundant and has gained a new job as a training manager partly thanks to his updated IT skills.
Media enquiries: Sarah Jenkin-Jones, PR Officer, Derby College, Tel: 07951 945 665; Email: sarah@jjpublicrelations.co.uk