Beverley students' efforts recognised

Outstanding students from East Riding College have been celebrated at an awards night, with seven Beverley students being recognised for their efforts.

Each winner was crowned student of the year for their field of study, and were awarded prizes for their work at college, often achieved under difficult circumstances.

Evie Molloy, 19, who works at Hemingway Bailey as well as studying for a Level Two Certificate in Accounting and Level Three Diploma in Business, received the outstanding contribution to enrichment award.

She was commended for her enthusiasm and commitments to sports clubs and was also awarded sports personality of the month. She has volunteered in the college's charity shop and has started her own business, MixEd, which aims to help young people progress in the world of work.

Kimberley Hornshaw, 23, won student of the year in construction, after beginning her course with very little joinery experience.

Jack McLaren, 17, scooped the top student prize for engineering, and is described as showing flair for machining. He worked hard to complete his Level Three Engineering Qualification to a high standard.

Twenty-six year-old Richard Underwood also won in the engineering category, for his work on the Level Three Diploma in Motor Vehicle Maintenance and Repair. He has a young family and a part-time job, but he has worked hard to get his assignments in on time and to a very high standard.

Sam Sharp, 17, who studied for the Level Three Advanced Apprenticeship in Vehicle Maintenance and Repair, was given a prize for his dedication, which has seen him complete the course in a year, rather than the usual two.

Thirty-one year-old Teresa Skodova, a hair and beauty therapy student, was rewarded for her high achievement in assessments and passion for beauty treatments, especially skin care.

Sarah Mohamad, a humanities student, was given a prize for achieving a distinction standard on every piece of work she produced, despite having to juggle the course with looking after a young family. She has gone on to secure a place on the midwifery course at the University of Hull.

College principal Derek Branton said: "Our annual awards are always a highlight of the year for me, as it is when we celebrate the positive influence education and training has on people's lives and career advancement.

"We heard some truly inspirational stories about students who were on their way to university, were progressing to higher levels of study at the college, had overcome challenges to succeed or had used their learning to benefit their job role.

"All of our award winners are role models for their peers, and deserve recognition. My congratulations go to all of them."