High flying Warrington Collegiate students celebrate their success at the Higher Education Awards Ceremony
Greater numbers of Warrington Collegiate students than ever before celebrated their achievements at the annual Higher Education Awards on Thursday 3rd November.
The ceremony, held at St Elphin’s Church recognised the determination and commitment of students who have completed HNC, HND, NVQ, Foundation Degrees and Teacher Training. As well as the academic certificates several students also received special awards for outstanding achievements in their subject areas.
Jacqueline Johnson, from Orford, has just completed an HNC in Construction and received the Graham Lewis Award for Construction. She spoke highly of her tutors and their support adding “ It’s been 4 hard years studying and working full time. The HNC group was a really supportive group, which was vital as it’s quite a challenge being a female in construction. I feel I’ve really proved myself and I’m not stopping now. I’m going to continue onto a full degree and see myself going into management one day.”
The Award for Outstanding Achievement in Higher Education went to Joanne Dunston, from Great Sankey. The HNC Business and Management student, Joanne, felt really honoured to be nominated for an award saying “This qualification was a personal achievement for me and well worth all the hard work .I can’t thank the tutors enough for their outstanding support. I’ve been promoted as a result of the course and next year I’m coming back for the HND.”
Steph Hodge, Curriculum Manager for Higher Education, Professional and International commented that Joanne was a member of a group who were truly professional with a great work ethic and fantastic sense of humour resulting in outstanding results all round. Steph added “Joanne was a dedicated student who went from strength to strength, consistently gaining higher marks despite a very busy schedule. Her hard work paid off as she succeeded in getting a new job whilst on the course”
Teacher Training student, Hilary Frangleton, from Fearnhead, was overwhelmed to be chosen for the Harry Cunningham Award, commenting “This means everything to me, it’s a tremendous honour. It’s really motivated me to continue to the next level. The course was a real challenge but I’ve shown that you can achieve despite numerous obstacles. I want to teach Skills for Life to adults because through personal experience I understand their struggle.”
Linda Williamson, Curriculum Manager for Higher Education, Access and Teacher Training spoke highly of Hilary’s determination to succeed saying. “Despite many additional pressures Hilary’s ‘larger than life’ personality and infectious optimism was an inspiration to the group and her ‘can do’ attitude helped to support her peers on the tougher parts of the course.”
For Linda, it was a double celebration. Her daughter, Nicola Boyers graduated with a Certificate in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning sector. Linda said, “I’m so proud that Nicola has achieved her dream of graduating. We now have two generations of teachers in the family.”
Peter Lyons, from Lymm, was surprised to receive Student of the Year for Higher Education saying “I felt very honoured to have been recognised by my tutor for my achievement and hard work on the course. I couldn’t have done it without the support of my tutor, and without the encouragement and mentoring of the Association Accounting Team.”
Marketing student, Susan Carr, from Lymm, and Professional Student of the Year student was delighted, declaring it an unexpected bonus on top of the qualification. Susan added, “ I would like to thank my employer, Warrington Borough Council, who have encouraged and supported this learning opportunity which has enabled me to acquire new skills, knowledge and confidence as well as a more senior position at work. I am sure that in addition to the personal benefit. The organisation too will gain from the learning investment.
Many graduating students spoke of the impact of studying locally on their finances, explaining how they got more personal tuition and support without going into debt
Two people attending the ceremony were unaware that they too were to be honoured that night.
Long Serving Electrical Engineering tutor, Hubert Ward, received a Special Recognition Award for his 18 years of service to the college.
The best kept secret of the night was revealed when Reverend Canon Michael 
Finlay was made a Fellow of Warrington Collegiate in recognition of his community work in the Warrington area and his close association with the college over the years.
A delighted Rev Canon Michael Findlay said
"It has been wonderful shearing the space and building of St Elphin's, Warrington's ancient Parish Church, with the Collegiate for their awards ceremony's over the past few years.
This year, I was totally overwhelmed by the surprise award of an Honorary Fellowship of Warrington Collegiate and as so proud to be able to accept. I hope that I will be able to use the honour to help the progress and profile of the Collegiate whenever possible.
Principal of Warrington Collegiate, Paul Hafren commented “Our Higher Education Awards ceremony was the biggest yet with St Elphin’s church packed full of students and their families. The Awards evening is an important event for the college in recognising the fantastic achievements of our students studying higher education. We wish them every success as they move on to continue their studies or to employment.”
