STUDENTS' outstanding achievements were celebrated at Swindon College.

Families, staff and sponsors were joined by Swindon mayor Junab Ali as 26 awards were handed out to high performers from all areas of the college.

Student Lauren Mill, who underwent a major operation this year, won the Reg Arman Award for special recognition.

Despite suffering from an illness that makes many aspects of daily life difficult, she was able to excel in her digital media course and attain a top grade.

Lauren created a personal blog to raise awareness of disability access in the town by reviewing local restaurants, and she is now looking forward to continuing her media studies at Westminster University.

College principal Steve Wain said: “The FE awards evening was an opportunity for us, as a college, to recognise those students who have stood out during this academic year.

“I am so proud of all of our students and how we were able to celebrate those who have gone above and beyond expectations. Our award-winning students have shown outstanding qualities and have had strong academic performances.

“These students have set their own goals and with the support of staff, through sheer hard work, grit and determination and with such optimism they have reached their targets.

“This at times, despite having to battle adversity and life challenges but who have nevertheless achieved so highly. We want to see all of our students fulfil their full potential and it’s such a pleasure to be part of this.”

Early years student Toni Garcia overcame great difficulties throughout her studies. Due to a condition that impairs her sight, she wasn’t able to read until she turned 11.

Toni was congratulated by tutors for her steely determination which enabled her to achieve excellent results at the college.

The Adver joined other local sponsors to provide gifts and prizes for award winners on the night. Mr Wain then rounded off proceedings with a speech to congratulate students for their hard work.

Swindon College works in partnership with universities and awarding bodies including Oxford Brookes University, the University of Gloucestershire and Edexcel to deliver higher education programmes.

It offers a variety of vocational courses to give students a more direct path into their chosen career. Students graduating from the School of Art recently showed off their talent at an end of year show. Their work ranged from oil paintings, to clay sculptures, to commercial design.

WINNERS IN FULL

The Reg Arman Special Award in the Community - Lauren Mill
Janice Okell Student Ambassador Award - Slyvester Asenso
Course awards:
Access - Nicola Greenland
Applied Science (Forensic) - Amy Pitts
Art and Design - Erin 
Beauty - Dipika Thapa
Brickwork - Tyrone O’Neill
School of Business - Kieran Blake
Carpentry and Joinery - Tyler Follit
School of Computer Science (Alan Mellar Award) - Nickson Cabral
Early Years - Toni Garcia
Electrical - Anthony Evans
Foundation Studies - Daniel Summers
Functional Skills - Louis Corbin
GCSE English and Maths - David Bateman
Digital Media - Leon Johnson
Hairdressing - Gillian Richards
Health and Social Care - Tanya Ribeiro
Hospitality and Catering - Kyra Bickford
Mechanical Engineering - Ryan Cheesley
Motor Vehicle - Joshua 
Plastering - Kurt Weston
Plumbing - Rohan Koenig
Production Arts (Media Make-Up) - Mae Ferguson
Sport and The Fitness Academy - Mark Siaw
Uniformed Public Services - Destiny Jung