Student ‘Star of the Year Award’

Gold Star Award Winner 2013, Laura Conroy with the College’s Chairman of the Board of Governors, Robert Clegg, College Principal Derek O’Toole and special guest speaker Ashley John-Baptiste

Students from across the Borough were honoured at an award ceremony at the Middleton Arena. The Hopwood Hall College students had been selected from thousands of students to receive awards for their achievements.

The Gold Star Award went to Laura Conroy, 19, a BTEC National Extended Diploma in Animal Management student. Laura has recently achieved an offer to study veterinary science at the Royal Veterinary College in London.

A spokesperson for the College said: "Laura is a great example of how students with a dream, commitment and drive can succeed. Laura took full advantage of every opportunity presented to her in order to achieve her goals, and her tutors are very proud of her."

Laura was joined on the night by her mother and grandfather and received her award to cheers from the entire audience. Interviewed shortly after the shock announcement, Laura said: “I can’t believe I’ve won. I really didn’t expect it. It’s a total shock, but such a nice surprise.

"I’m really pleased with everything I’ve achieved and I’d like to thank everyone that has supported me through my studies.

"It’s also been really lovely to be able to share this all tonight with my family. I know they are really proud of me too.”

The Silver Star Award went to Luke Mitchell, 18, who is a Level 3 Games Design student.

His tutors commented that Luke has been an exceptional student over the duration of his course. They said: "Luke is a very hard working and self-motivated student, working very hard on his assignments and has spent time and effort working towards the highest grading criteria possible.

"Alongside his studies Luke has also set up his own business which he runs in his spare time.

"Luke’s ambitious approach has been evident from his first day at college and to accomplish the things he has at his age is a major achievement." 

The Bronze Star Award went to Jack Broome, 19, who is a BTEC Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care student.

Jack was nominated for the award because of his hard work and dedication. Since joining the College he has worked hard to overcome his dyslexia, learning with the help of the College’s additional support team.

His tutors commented: "Jack is polite and courteous and a pleasure to have in the classroom and he is on target to meet all his goals."

Hundreds of people packed out the Middleton Arena to celebrate the achievements of the students, including the Mayor of Rochdale, Cllr Peter Rush, College Principal Derek O’Toole and the College’s Chairman of the Board of Governors, Robert Clegg.

The special guest speaker for the evening was Ashley John-Baptiste. Ashley, best known as being a member of boy band ‘The Risk,’ who appeared on the X-Factor, told guests of his truly inspirational journey to get where he is today. The 22-year-old overcame tremendous adversity in a troubled childhood, to win a place to study history at Cambridge, for which he received a 2:1 last summer and is now studying for a Masters in international relations.

Ashley gave a motivating talk, telling the captivated audience to hold onto their dreams, never let their inhibitions stifle them, always hold on to self-determination and know that they have the ability to do something great.