Students were flying the flag for higher education with a graduation celebration in Stockton town centre.
A fantastic 61 adult learners from Stockton Riverside College and Bede Sixth Form College paraded through the high street and Wellington Square on their way to the official awards ceremony at ARC Stockton.
Shining a spotlight on the hard work and effort of learners who have made the decision to return to the classroom, Stockton Riverside College’s vice principal Rebecca Cadden said: “Our graduation is an incredible event that marks the culmination of all that effort and commitment, and for many it is a milestone on the way to their future goals.”
Recognising the challenges along the way, she added: “Studying as an adult comes with many additional responsibilities, such as juggling assignments around the daily demands of work and family life.
“For these students there will, no doubt, have been highs and lows, but the fact that they are here today shows their enthusiasm, resilience and ultimate success.”
Turning heads in their caps and gowns, graduands received higher education certificates, foundation and full honours degrees, many delivered in partnership with Teesside University.
Ben, 31, from Tilery, was among those to officially receive the BA Hons in Education and Training after returning to his own studies three years ago.
He said: “For me, graduation marks the culmination of what has been a long journey.”
Starting work as a volunteer at a primary school at 17, he explained it was the head teacher at the school that encouraged him to continue to work towards his own qualifications.
First picking up his level 2 and 3 teaching assistant qualifications, it was some 10 years later before he decided to top up those skills at Stockton Riverside College with a foundation degree followed by the full honours degree.
Now working as an academy manager in alternative education in sport, he said: “I do love education and the benefits you get from it, working in education has always given me a sense of personal gratification, especially when you know you have done a good job.”
As a dad, studying, working full-time, and a keen footballer playing for Boro Rangers, he said it has been a juggling act, but the backing of his partner, along with friendships built on the course, helped to keep him on track.
Honoured to have been asked to speak on behalf of his fellow students as valedictory speaker at the graduation, of his new qualifications he added: “I’m glad I have done it and now I can relax.”
