CELEBRATING SUCCESS IN CROYDON

On Thursday 28 February 2008, Croydon College held an awards evening to recognise the achievements of nearly 50 FE students who studied on a range of courses during the academic year 2006/07.

Now in its fifth year, the College's Further Education Awards Evening seeks to recognise those who have shown great strength either academically, personally or both.

Close to 150 guests saw nearly 40 students collect their awards in the presence of this year's Guest of Honour, Jason Gardener MBE, and the Past Mayor, Councillor Janet Marshall. Jason is one of the UK and Europe's all time great sprinters. The 2004 World Indoor 60m Champion; four times, and reigning European Indoor 60m Champion, achieved one of his ultimate ambitions in the 2004 Athens Olympic Games by winning Gold in the 4 x 100m relay.

The Award Winners were recognised for a variety of reasons including: excellent attendance record, excellent punctuality record, progression through various FE levels, excellent track record of improving own self skills over the duration of the course(s), excellent examination/coursework grades/results, achievement by overcoming or dealing with learning difficulties/personal circumstances (including balancing work and family commitments), achievement by overcoming language challenges, an outstanding piece of work/assignment/project, active involvement in Enrichment activities and working with others to support their achievement.

Current Performing Arts student, Amarra Smith, sang two songs - one that she had written herself called 'London Life' and the Billie Holliday hit 'Can't Help Lovin' That Man'. In addition, the London Metropolitan University Choir also sang two world music medleys.

One of this year's winners included Kailer Brown. Kailer came to the College from Coulsdon High School to enrol on the GNVQ Intermediate in Business course. Whilst part of the Aimhigher cohort and studying towards a BTEC National Diploma in Business qualification, Kailer was mentored, went to Prague and had the opportunity to attend the College's Graduation Ceremony as a guest and it was this that spurred her into progressing onto Higher Education at the College. Last November, Kailer graduated from the Foundation Degree Fashion Business course and she has now progressed onto studying an Honours Degree. Kailer has combined her studies with raising a young child whilst only 22 years of age herself.

Kailer said: "Education has been the key to giving me and my daughter the lifestyle we deserve and I genuinely believe that without the College's support I would not be where I am today - just remember if I can do it, so can you!"