In the run up to the Christmas New/Year break, past and present students and staff descended on Ashton Sixth Form College for their annual Prize Giving and Reunion Evening. Attendees were treated to a stunning performance of Seasons of Love from the cast of the college’s most recent production of RENT before the awards ceremony and prize giving got underway.

Certificates were distributed by Helen Stubbs and Asif Ali from the college’s Art and Law departments. Subject prizes were awarded to outstanding students from each subject area; including AS, A-Level and Diploma levels with some subject areas handing out up to 8 awards. There were also a number of Special Awards handed out at the ceremony:

Inclusive Learning Prize – Kurt Simpson
Awarded for overcoming significant barriers to learning in order to gain outstanding achievement.

Chris Woodhead Prize for Business – Mohammed Islam
Sponsored by the College’s Business department in memory of Christopher Woodhead, an outstanding student who died suddenly in October 2009 shortly after starting a degree at The University of York.

Clayton History Prize – Eleanor Ormsby
This prize is sponsored by Mr David Clayton who was the head of History from 1973 and later Student Support Manager at the college until his retirement in 2004.

Fraser Prize for Modern Languages – Joseph Gregory
This prize is sponsored by the wife of Mr Alex Fraser who was head of German at Ashton Grammar School, and later Ashton Sixth Form College, from 1960 until his death in 1991.

Leo Blockley Prize for Mathematics – Charlotte Laycock
This prize is sponsored by the parents of Leo Blockley, a former student and brilliant mathematician, who died tragically, aged 21, in a rowing accident whilst training with the Oxford University Lightweight Rowing Club in 2000.

Stephen Young Politics Prize – Jonathan Mellor
Sponsored by the family of Stephen Young, an inspiring History and Politics teacher at the College who died prematurely aged 36 in 2009. This prize is awarded to the student who demonstrates the keenest enthusiasm for Politics.

James Haggerty Vocational Media Production Award – Emmanuel Shema
Awarded for outstanding achievement within the Creative Digital Arts department. This prize is sponsored by the parents of James Haggerty, an outstanding former student who tragically died whilst working as a filmmaker in Cyprus in 2014.

Joan Monks Ambassador of the Year – Jazz Beard
Sponsored by the Marketing and Liaison Team, the Student Ambassador of The Year Award is given in memory of Mrs Joan Monks, Assistant Principal of the College until 2010, who sadly passed away in 2013. She worked at the College for 22 years and was dedicated to supporting young people in reaching their potential and was an inspiration to everyone she taught and worked with.

The Principal’s Awards sponsored by Ashton Sixth Form College Principal Dr Janet Nevin aim to recognise outstanding contribution in the following areas;

Academic Progress – Robyn Barayuga

Vocational Progress – Emma Stajniak

Contribution to College Life – Jake Jackson

After certificates and awards had been collected there was an opportunity for leavers who have started their university courses or are now in employment to get together and catch-up on all that’s been happening since September. The event was a real success and a great way of recognising the hard work and commitment needed to succeed in Further Education.

Pictured: Multiple award winner Joe Gregory (Subject Prize winner for Chemistry and Maths and winner of the Leo Blockley prize for Modern Languages) with his very proud Mum and Dad.