Celebration of Achievement - A day Star students shine

On Thursday 15th July students, staff, parents, governors, supporters and guests of the National Star College are gathering together for one of the highlights of the College calendar – the annual Celebration of Achievement.

The event, which will be held in the College grounds at Ullenwood, recognises and celebrates the outstanding individual achievements of 56 of the students who are leaving the College this year.

This year Talan Skeels-Piggins, who in March competed for Team GB ski team in the Paralympics, will be amongst the award presenters.

Each student leaver will have their key achievements and personal development highlighted, along with their plans and aspirations for the future presented in a Record of Achievement. A range of annual awards will also be given by presenters who will include Tim Heal from local business Alder King and artist and College supporter PJ Crook.

Helen Sexton, Chief Executive, for whom the Awards Ceremony is also poignant as it is her last after nearly 30 years at the National Star College, said “I would like to wish all of the students every success with their future plans and aspirations and thank them for everything that they have brought to the College and everything that they have brought to me in my life at College over the last 30 years.  It has been an absolute privilege.”

The evening of July 15th will then see the Awards Ceremony for the College’s adult learners. 200 local Adult Learners with disabilities attend the wide range of part-time courses from Art to Swimming, IT and Digital Photography to Cookery, and over 100 are expected to attend this event at which their achievements will be recognised.

Guest speakers will celebrate learning and certificates and awards will be presented, including Learner and Tutor of the Year 2010 Awards.  Learners’ course work will be displayed and Music and Drama courses showcased with live performances.  Learners will also be able to book onto courses that begin in September.

For further information on the part-time Adult and Community Courses at the Star College including courses that can be taken out to external venues please contact Marie Snell, Adult and Community Learning Coordinator on 01242 534915 or msnell@natstar.ac.uk.