Beverley students honoured at annual college awards
Mon 15th July 2019
East Riding College’s annual awards ceremony was held last week in the Royal Hall at the Bridlington Spa. The evening saw over 50 recipients recognised for their achievements, dedication and hard work in front of an audience of family, friends and peers. Student winners were nominated by their tutors and ranged from younger students on school-links programmes to adults who were retraining.
Former Hull City player Charlie Dunkerley aged 20 from Walkington, won Student of the Year for Barbering, which he took up after his football career was brought to a halt through injury.
Charlie said, “It’s good to win, a good feeling. It was surprising to be nominated but recognises what I’ve overcome to move on from football and get qualified. I was interested in barbering because I’m a social person and it’s not sat at a desk all day. Plus, it’s a skill I can take with me anywhere in the world and I’ve found I really enjoy it.”
Charlie has already finished his course and is now working at Lone Wolf barber shop in Hessle.
Charlie’s proud mum Shelley Dunkerley said, “He’s done really well and overcome a lot since having left football. He’s recovered from serious injuries and to move onto something he obviously enjoys is fantastic.”
Twenty-six-year-old Maxwell Smales from Catwick near Beverley also won Student of the Year for Performing Arts. He said, “It was very validating for me actually, to win the award. It’s difficult as a mature student going back to college, you’re a bit unsure of yourself, but it’s brought out the best in me.”
Maxwell is going to the University of York to study film and TV production and hopes to pursue a career in writing, directing and producing. He said, “I’ve discovered a passion for film making and would prefer to work behind the scenes, but I appreciate what I’ve learned on the performing arts course about the production process and having the opportunity to write and perform our own work. It’s allowed me to channel my creativity.”
The celebration event was attended by dignitaries from across the East Riding, including the Mayors of Beverley and Bridlington. Performances by the College’s music and performing arts students kept the award winners and their families entertained throughout the evening.
