Student stars shine bright

Stars of the night (left to right) Gold Star Award winner Andrew Roberts (20) from Walsden, Silver Star Award winner Jasper Kiragga (22) from Oldham and Bronze Star Award winner Harriet Barker (18) from Rochdale

Andrew Barker won the Gold Star Award, Jasper Kiragga won silver and Harriet Barker bronze at the Hopwood Hall College Further Education Awards at the Middleton Arena on 19 June. The students had been selected from thousands to receive awards for their achievements.

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

As the evening drew to a close, the exciting climax was the announcement of the ‘Star of the Year Award’. The College had been so impressed by the nominations that, for the second year running, they chose three ‘stars’.

The Gold Star Award went to Andrew (20) from Walsden, a level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care student. Andrew left school with just two GCSE’s which, he says, made him even more determined to do something good with his life and become a success. He started Hopwood Hall College at entry level in health and social care and, having just completed level 3, plans to go on to study paramedic science. He has been called an ‘amazing student’ by his tutors and they all say he is polite and courteous and an absolute pleasure to have in the classroom.

Andrew has been working as a bridge nurse in mental health A&E at a local hospital alongside qualified professionals to support people with mental health in crisis and is a volunteer first responder with the Yorkshire Ambulance Service. On top of all this he has successfully completed his studies at college which is what made him this year’s Gold Star Award winner.

Andrew lost his dad earlier this year but he was joined on the night by his mum, grandma and two brothers who he said were all extremely proud of his achievements. Interviewed shortly after the shock announcement, he said: “I’m absolutely delighted to have won this award. It will look great on my CV. I was really surprised to hear my name being called as I didn’t expect it. My heart was racing. I put a lot of hard work into my studies but must thank all of the teachers at Hopwood Hall College who have been so supportive. I came in not knowing much about health and social care and am now getting distinctions.”

The Silver Star Award went to Jasper (22), from Oldham, who is a level 3 Advanced Fitness Academy student. Tutors commented that, from the start of his course, Jasper has been an exemplary student, showing true dedication, commitment and enthusiasm towards his studies. He was so keen to begin working within the fitness industry that he did voluntary work at a local fitness and boxing club and, after three months, was offered a job there running his own fitness sessions to 40+ participants. His personal training sessions and nutritional advice are currently in high demand.

The Royal Marines were also impressed with Jasper’s attitude, politeness and positive mental attitude towards fitness at a recent demonstration held in conjunction the College that he was invited to spend a week with them to gain an insight into life as a Marine and, from this, Jasper applied to join up. He has just passed his first assessment and is excited to enter the Marines as a PTI (physical training instructor) when he finishes college.

The Bronze Star Award went to Harriet (18) from Rochdale, who is a BTEC Extended Diploma in Animal Management level 3 student. Harriet has been an outstanding ambassador for the College as a student governor and has taken part in, and supported, all College activities. She has undertaken an exciting project at College making wildlife recordings of all the animals in and around the Life Sciences centre at the Middleton campus. Andrew Dawson, Centre Director, Life Sciences, commented: “Harriet is one of the most outstanding students I have had the pleasure of teaching.”

Harriet is currently doing work experience at the Blue Planet aquarium after showing so much enthusiasm and interest on a diving with sharks experience there. She has just been accepted for an internship at Knowsley Safari Park over the Summer and will also be travelling to South Africa for a five week placement to help monitor and prevent wildlife poaching. After that Harriet will return to the UK to study wildlife and conservation at Salford University.