Grantham College celebrated its star students and staff on Thursday 27 June at their annual awards ceremony. The evening celebrates the achievements of students and for the third year running, awards to two staff members were also presented – one of which is nominated for by staff and one by students. This academic year also sees the end of Chair of Corporation, Mos Kalbassi’s time at the college so a signature award was dedicated especially to him to celebrate the last 28 years of his service at Grantham College.
The ceremony was celebrated by over 340 people including the award winners, family and friends, staff members of the college, governors and sponsors of the event.
New Chair of Governors, Amanda Mosek, was welcomed to the stage to open the evening. Tim Radley, ex-student and owner of Smart Money Solutions Ltd. was introduced to the stage by Amanda to present the guest speech. Tim spoke of his time at Grantham College and how it helped him pursue his dream career. Both gave very upbeat, inspiring and motivational speeches which got the night off to a great start.
Principal and Chief Executive, Paul Deane and Assistant Principal, Dr Steven Peacock welcomed all award winners to the stage and refreshed everyone’s memories with good news and successes from the past academic year including the opening of the University Centre, the successful Institute of Technology bid, the many Erasmus+ trips, plus much more.
One hundred and fifty students won awards, with Gracie Edwards being crowned the winner of Student of the Year. Animal Care lecturer, Christine Howe won the Staff Award nominated for by students and Learning Development Functional Skills Lecturer, Helen Maughan won the Staff Award nominated for by fellow colleagues. Work Experience Placement Provider of the Year went to Grantham Truck Services who have provided several students with worthwhile work experience and continue to work well with the college to teach the students valuable skills. Mos Kalbassi won the one-off Governor of the Year Award. Business Development Employer of the year went to Belvoir. As main sponsors of the evening, Oldrids & Downtown’s Head of HR, John Rogers and Store Manager & College Governor, Natalie Skins congratulated the award winners and presented the six special award winners with personalised hampers.
The audience enjoyed a performance from Level 3 Performing Arts students. They produced a performance consisting of both song and dance and received a great applause at the end.
The evening concluded with canapes and a photo booth which staff, students, parents and sponsors all thoroughly enjoyed.
Special thanks go to sponsors who made the evening possible; Oldrids & Downtown, LiNCHigher, RAF Wittering, Kuiper Technology, InvestSK, Lindum, Anglian Water, Salted Orange, System Professional and Eve Taylor of London.
Thanks also go to Guy Hawes for capturing the evening with hundreds of fabulous photos.
Congratulations to all our award winners and we wish you well whether you are returning to study next year, have gained employment or taking a gap year.
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