Students ‘pass out’ at parade

Hopwood Hall College’s Uniformed Public Sector (UPS) students marked the end of the academic year with a spectacular ‘Passing Out Ceremony’.

Awards presented to UPS students at the parade included:

• Stuart Snape, 18, from Rochdale, who won two awards. Best PE (level 1), presented by the Deputy Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester and Best Student (level 1), presented by the Mayor of Rochdale.
• Reece Greenwood, 17, from Heywood, for Best Endeavour (level 1), presented by the Mayor of Rochdale. 
• Emma Gunnery, 18, from Blackley, who received the Memorial Award for outstanding overall commitment in 2012-2013. 
• Mathew Aspin, 18, from Oldham, for Best PE (level 2), presented by Chief Superintendant Annette Anderson from Rochdale Division GM Police.

Over 1,000 guests enjoyed the day’s activities, including the families of the students, ex-students who have joined the Uniformed Services or gone on to university and many senior Uniformed Services Officials.

Special guests included Rochdale’s Mayor, Councillor Peter Rush, and Mayoress, Councillor Monica Rush and the Deputy Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester.

Students marched onto the parade ground, to the beat of a full RAF Cadet Marching Band.

Guests were treated to a number of impressive student displays including: a silent foot continuity drill, horn pipe, combat circuit, meta-fit circuit, assault course and a full hose run display with two fire engines from Greater Manchester Fire Brigade and the students.

Centre Director for Sports and Public Services, Terry Morley, said “The parade was, once again, fantastic, with the students and staff making me and the College very proud.”