Students prove they're class act with awards

Hopwood Hall Gold Star Award winner 2016 business studies student Jack Morrison

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STAR students from Hopwood Hall College have been honoured at a glittering awards ceremony at the Middleton Arena

Hundreds of people including friends and family of the award winners packed out Middleton Arena to celebrate their achievements.

Among the 13 winners from Oldham was 17-year-old Ellie Fitzhugh, from Moorside, who is studying sport at the college

She was thrilled to win the award for Best Achievement, declaring that her aim for the future is: "To work at Hopwood - I love it here."

The climax of the evening was the announcement of the 'Star of the Year Award'.

The Gold Star Award went to business studies student Jack Morrison.

Jack (18), from Oldham, was delighted with his win and thanked those who helped him: "I'd like to say thanks to my three tutors, especially tutor Elaine Morley who has helped me to mature while I've been here at Hopwood."

High-flyer Jack has secured himself an advanced apprenticeship at accountancy giant KPMG, which he will start once he's finished at college this summer. On completion of his apprenticeship, he will be a fully-qualified chartered accountant.

Daniel Smith (19), from Chadderton, won Best Achievement in the Intermediate Apprenticeship category. He is studying an apprenticeship in ICT.

Renowned author and broadcaster Lemn Sissay was the star guest speaker and captivated the audience with his tales about his life, including his childhood in care.

Lemn said: "I would have loved to have the choice to go to college; I was brought up in a place where I wasn't encouraged to go to college, which means, actually, I was discouraged.

"I know that some of the winners tonight came from similar backgrounds to me and I think that is so good that they are here tonight being honoured with their fellow students.

"All of the award winners should be thoroughly proud of themselves. I'm humbled to be here."

AWARDS

Jack Morrison - Gold Star Award

William Slater - Best Progress in Hospitality & Catering Level 3

Bethany Tannahill - Best Achievement in Maths

Joe Richards - Best Progress in Football

Aaron Kononenko - Best Achievement in Sport in the Community

Oliver Elia - Best Achievement in Fitness Academy

Nelson Correia - Best Achievement in Sport Level 1

Ellie Fitzhugh - Best Achievement in Sport Level 3

John Hartley - Best Progress in Uniformed Public Services Level 2

Mary Akram - Best Progress in Uniformed Public Services Level 3

Luke Butterworth - Best Progress in Electrical Engineering

Jamie Wells - Best Achievement in Brickwork

Daniel Smith - Best Achievement in Intermediate Apprenticeship.