Vocational Students Honoured at Annual College Awards Evening

Riverside College and Cronton Sixth Form honoured the outstanding achievements of students at the annual Vocational Student of the Year Awards ceremony.

Remarkable students from each vocational course area, including Hair and Beauty, Construction, Business, Catering and Hospitality, and Performing Arts, took to the stage to collect awards in front of an audience of supportive friends, family and tutors.

Award winners were recognised for the hard work and dedication they have demonstrated during their time at college, with many now progressing to apprenticeships, university degrees, and directly into exciting careers in industry.

Over 30 awards were presented to students on the night by special guests, including Chair of Governors Neil McGrath, Mr Mayor Councillor Mark Dennett, and Mayoress Mrs Andrea Dennett.

Special recognition and congratulations went to Heidi Gray who took home the Overall Adult Student of the Year award, Daniel Tildsley who was awarded Overall Vocational Student of the Year at Cronton, and Mia Williams who was named Overall Vocational Student of the Year at Riverside.

Guests were also entertained by talented Centre of Excellence for Performing Arts students Emily McDonnell, who performed ‘As If We Never Said Goodbye’ from Sunset Boulevard, and Jack Wright, who sung ‘Empty Tables’ from Les Misérables.

College Principal Mary Murphy said, “The annual Vocational Awards evening is a very special date in the College calendar and this year’s was a truly wonderful event; the first live presentation after a two year hiatus due to the pandemic. Our vocational students have worked incredibly hard during their time with us and this was a fantastic opportunity to recognise their dedication. I wish all of them the best of luck as they now embark on the next exciting chapter of their careers.”