Student stars wow Lemn Sissay

Derek O’Toole, Principal of Hopwood Hall College, star winners Dean O’Toole, Jack Morrison, and Morgan Fay and author and broadcaster Lemn Sissay

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Star students were honoured at a glittering awards ceremony on Thursday (9 June).

The Hopwood Hall College students had been selected from thousands of students to receive awards at the annual event.

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

The Mayor and Mayoress of Rochdale joined other local dignitaries and business people in celebrating the students’ achievements.

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

Mr Sissay was moved by the event, lamenting: “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.”

The climax of the evening was the announcement of the ‘Star of the Year Award’. The College had been so impressed by the nominations this year that they chose three ‘stars’:

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

Jack, who is 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 whilst 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.

The Silver Star Award went to Dean O’Toole who is studying electrical installation at the College.

Dean, 18, of Cheetham, said: “I’m really happy, I didn’t think I’d win this; I was run over by a car when I was 13 and suffered severe head injuries; I was told there were various things I couldn’t do; my dream of becoming a pilot was one of those things, but being an electrician was the next best thing for me and I’m so proud to have won this award.”

He is hoping to secure an apprenticeship this summer; he will hear whether he has secured one with a local housing association by the end of the month.

The Bronze Star Award went to art and design student Morgan Fay.

Commenting on her win, 21-year-old Morgan, from Rochdale said: “I am in shock, I’m absolutely made up.”

Talented artist Morgan has just received an unconditional offer to study at Bolton University.

Matthew Royster, 18 from Heywood, was awarded for his progress in Sport.

He was nominated by his tutors who commented that: “Matthew is a really keen student. He is always on hand to help others in the group and is the first person to help the staff members setting out equipment or clearing equipment away.

“Matthew also has an exceptional ability in the gym.”

The Mayor of Rochdale Ray Dutton, who is a teacher himself, summed up the evening: “It was fantastic to see the successes of the students here tonight. Well done to them all.”