Congratulations to all our award winners at this year’s Celebration of Achievement.
The annual event recognises the efforts of students and apprentices who have gone above and beyond in their studies this year.
With 19 awards up for grabs, learners were presented with trophies at a special ceremony at the college alongside friends and family.
Stockton Riverside College vice principal, Rebecca Cadden, said: “Here at Stockton Riverside College, we have remarkable learners who give their time, determination and commitment, to achieve their personal goals.
“Each and every one of our winners should be incredibly proud of what they have achieved.”
Growing in confidence and knowledge of his subject T-Level Business student Tom, 16, took home the title of Business Student of the Year.
He said: “I am shocked and really happy. When I started the course, I was so quiet and would hardly talk to the teachers, now they say they find it hard to shut me up.”
With a clear passion for business, Tom was nominated for his outstanding commitment, personal development, and proactive engagement with his course, along with his drive to source his own industrial placement.
His teachers said: “This proactive approach highlights his professionalism, ambition, and readiness for the workplace.”
Renewed confidence has also been a game changer for winner of the Early Years Student of the Year, Jessica.
The 17-year-old from Ingleby Barwick said: “When I started the course, I wasn’t very confident at all.”
Studying the T-Level in Education and Early Years has helped her feel able to speak up.
She said: “Going into work placements and speaking to people has helped, I have made friends with staff members who have given me tips and are always there to help.”
On winning the award, she added: “It was unexpected, but it is also encouraging as it makes you feel recognised for what you have achieved.”
Nominating Jessica her teachers said: “She is deeply engaged in her learning and always eager to expand her knowledge.”
With so much competition acting for stage and screen student Lily was surprised to be named Performing Arts Student of the Year.
“The course is so big and there’s so many people to choose from, I couldn’t quite believe it,” she said.
Described by her teachers as not only an exceptional performer but also an exceptional role model, the 18-year-old from Stockton said she felt both thrilled and proud of herself to be an award winner.
Lily is now planning to progress to the Level 4 in Performance.
Signing up to a King’s Trust Team course proved the right move for Grace. In fact, she enjoyed it so much she didn’t want it to end.
So, when the opportunity came up to join the King’s Trust Achieve programme at Stockton Riverside College, it made sense.
The year-long course offers the chance to develop employability skills and find direction.
The 17-year-old from Darlington said: “I have built my confidence so much I can now see a future for myself that I couldn’t see before.”
For Grace, she said, the change has come from, “the way the tutors have been so supportive and willing to help”.
Now she wants to do the same for others.
With ambitions to become a King’s Trust assistant team leader, she has signed up to a health and social care course at the college.
On being named King’s Trust Student of the Year, she said: “It means a lot because of how the course has helped me. I feel grateful to be chosen.”
While a return to college has opened up the route to a new career for Cheryl.
Choosing to study the Access to Higher Education in Health course was the first step in a new direction
She admits that juggling her studies around the demands of being a working mum has been a challenge, but it was worth it.
Named Access to Higher Education Student of Year, the 34-year-old from Thornaby has secured a place to study occupational therapy at Teesside University.
Currently working for a blind manufacturer, it will be a big step change, but she said: “I am excited now.”
Nominating Cheryl for the award her teachers said: “Her development has been inspiring to witness, and she continues to be a motivated and dedicated student.”
Stockton Riverside College’s Celebration of Achievement Awards are made possible with support from our generous award sponsors. Thanks to Keepmoat, Envy Hair Design, Securicare, Dogbox, NHS, Butterfield Pre-School, ARUP, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, Ascentis and The Cecil m. Yuill Foundation.
