Bradford College

Rising Stars Shine at FE Student Awards Evening

An Oscar style ceremony was held to mark the achievements and pay tribute to Further Education students at Bradford College during the Rising Stars Awards Evening 2012.

Over 150 guests saw award winners take to the stage to receive their prestigious awards from Chief Executive and Bradford College Principal, Michele Sutton, OBE and Guest of Honour Harry Gration, the well-known face of BBC’s Look North.

The ceremony, held in the Sir Henry Mitchell Hall marks the achievements of both Young Achievers aged 16 -18 and Adult Achievers aged 19 or over that have been nominated by their tutors.

These outstanding students from across 18 Programme Areas have scooped awards for excelling at their chosen subject, strong enthusiasm towards learning, exceeding expectations in inspiring others, overcoming difficulties, making significant progress throughout their studies and making a positive contributing to College life or within the local community.

Bradford College Assistant Principal Julie Hinchliffe (Skills ＆ Curriculum Development) and David Brack, Head of Marketing were the Masters of Ceremonies at the memorable event; reading through the list of award winners, Julie and David outlined why each award winner had been nominated.

Taking to the stage to accept her accolade, Hospitality and Catering student Demi Shoesmith was humbled and delighted to scoop an Adult Achievers Award. Demi was nominated by tutor Colin Burt and Head Chef at the International Food Academy (IFA). Earlier this year with only 3 months experience as a trainee chef at the IFA, 20 year Demi Shoesmith decided to take on the One Show’s ‘curry cook off challenge’, impressing both the producers of the show and industry professionals with her passion and enthusiasm for perfecting the perfect pakora and brilliant balti.

Hard working Demi is a single parent, determined and focused to juggle the commitment of home life with study.  Speaking during the prestigious evening, Demi said: “I’m really grateful to everyone – and I couldn’t have done it without Colin’s help and support. I couldn’t have asked for a better tutor!  He’s inspired me to succeed!” Demi has ambitious plans to manage her own restaurant in the future. Demi added: “I hope Bradford College is proud of me!”

Commenting on Demi’s award, tutor Colin Burt said: “It’s great to get students like Demi being given this opportunity from the College. She’s seized it and is going from strength to strength.  We expect great things from her as she has great inner strength and a determination to succeed.  Watch this space…”

Distinguished guests watched with delight as shining stars stepped up to receive their awards.  Special guests included: MP Mr Gerry Sutcliffe, Mr Mohammed Aslam MBE (Chief Patron IFA), Helen Stafford, (Skills Funding Agency), Peter Lauener, Education Funding Agency, Bradford College Directorate and Corporation Members.

During the evening our award winning students were treated to outstanding acoustic performances of popular songs from School of Arts and Media Department students Dineo Motaung and Kim Chuah on guitar.

Whilst the Schools soul band ‘Allstars’ entertained guest, with Dave Walker, Dineo Motaung, Emma Henry on vocals, Lauren Rushworth on Piano, Lewis Metcalfe on Keyboard, Huma Malik on Trumpet, John Dey Bass, Marcus Walker, Aidan Trueman on Guitar and Daniel Mungovin and Josh Doyle on Drums.

Speaking during the memorable event, Principal, Michele Sutton, OBE said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be here this evening. Not only have the students pulled out all of the stops over the years and achieved against the odds, but the staff of the College have come together to celebrate their success and to give them a night to remember.  We can do it better than the Oscars and the students have had a fabulous time and so have I.  That’s why I do this job; that’s why I am so pleased to be here.”

Humble, focused and dedicated, Jack Bateson scooped a Young Achievers award for taking the boxing world by storm as the first ever AASE Programme Boxer in the country to make it into the Great Britain Development Squad.  Jack was nominated by Paul Porter, Bradford Boxing Development Officer, along with fellow student and outstanding boxer Jack Radford, who also scooped an Adult Achievers Award for inspiring the young people he coaches at local schools through his leadership of their boxing sessions.  

Both Jack Bateson and Jack Radford were unable to attend the ceremony due to prior boxing commitments.  Kevin Smith (former Scotland National Team Coach) and now the Bradford College Coach for the Advanced Apprenticeships in Sporting Excellence Programme accepted the awards on behalf of these rising stars.

MP Mr Gerry Sutcliffe, MP speaking during the event said: “I think it’s fantastic to celebrate success in this way.  We are with people that have gone the extra mile, people who have triumphed over adversity.  It makes you feel proud to be a Bradfordian.”

Shining Star Jonathan Hook scooped the overall award for Adult Achiever and Sanjida Begum scooped the overall award for Young Achiever, both award winners were presented with a netbook.  

Nominated by tutor Stephen Jones, Jonathan Hook has shown himself to be exceptionally capable and conscientious since his return to education after having served in the army. Despite being diagnosed with Dyslexia he has overcome this barrier and is set to embark on a degree course. He is a volunteer amongst vulnerable people and makes a positive contribution to the community.

Jonathan Hook commenting on winning the overall award for Adult Achiever said: “I’m ecstatic; it feels great to have won!  I had a big gap out of education for about 9 years, so to come back and win, feels like a big achievement.”  

Jonathan paid tribute to his mum for her support throughout his studies and to the staff at Bradford College.  Speaking at the event, mum Barbara Hook said: “I’m very proud of Jonathan, he’s done really well.  He’s done a lot of studying and his hard work has paid off.”

Sanjida Begum was also nominated by tutor Stephen Jones for inspiring others through her enthusiasm and stoicism. Despite difficult circumstances and English being her second language, Sanjida’s determination to succeed has been commendable.  

Sanjida Begum attended the awards ceremony accompanied by her father, aunty and cousin Taslima Begum who also scooped an award.

Sanjida Begum commenting on being nominated and becoming a rising star said: “I am so grateful and would like thank my teachers for all their support.  I can’t begin to tell you how happy I am.  I was shocked when I received the letter notifying me that I’d won.  At first I thought it was a mistake, but my mum double checked the letter and said it was definitely for me.”

Award winner, Taslima Begum added: “I’m so very happy and would like to thank my teachers for all their help.”

Super Star Kathryn Pogue was the overall winner of the ‘Rising Stars FE Student Awards 2012 and was presented with a netbook and a cheque for £250 by Protocol National the official sponsors of the cash prize.

School of Arts and Media student, Kathryn Pogue was nominated by her tutor Leanne Clark for continually achieving levels of distinction in her work over the past two years.  Her tutor Leanne Clark speaking at the awards ceremony said: “Kathryn puts her all in to College life and on top of this she is also a registered young carer and a big advocate for young people in similar situations.  She attends meetings and talks at events across the country. She will be greatly missed when she finishes her course in June.”

Kathryn Pogue commenting on being crowned the overall winner of the Rising Stars FE Student Awards 2012 said: “I’m gobsmacked!  I found it completely amazing… I can’t believe I’ve won. I’m in shock.  I’m really grateful to my tutor and I think it’s a brilliant college.”   Kathryn intends to continue her studies at the Bradford College, progressing onto a HND in Film Production.

Paying tribute to the award winners during the presentation ceremony, Principal, Michele Sutton, OBE said: “To all of our award winners I wish you many congratulations on your success. I know that you have all worked hard.  Well done.  We are all very proud of you!”

• Rising Stars FE Student Awards Evening - Gallery