Royal Leamington Spa, Moreton Morrell, Rugby and Warwick Trident College Students celebrated at special awards ceremonies

Exceptional students from Royal Leamington Spa, Moreton Morrell, Rugby and Warwick Trident Colleges were celebrated for their achievements at three special awards ceremonies at the end of June.

A total of 131 learners studying at the WCG family of colleges were recognised for their hard work, dedication and attainment throughout the academic year. The events, held at the end of June at Moreton Morrell, Rugby and Warwick Trident Colleges were attended by family, friends, members of staff and college governors.

CEO of WCG, Angela Joyce, gave out awards from each academic department for Outstanding Achievement, Commitment to Learning and Student of the Year, before the overall Student of the Year from each college was announced.

The Moreton Morrell College Student of the Year was Liv Fletcher, a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sports and Exercise Science student. The 20-year old from Warwick said: “I was very surprised and overwhelmed to have been chosen for the award as it was not something I was expecting, considering the number of people who received other awards and had different achievements to mine. 

“I have definitely felt a sense of achievement and am proud of myself for putting the hard work in during the last two years as I knew what I needed to achieve as my end result, and I was not going to stop until I had got it! 

“My lecturers have always been very understanding and were prepared to help me reach my goals by constantly giving advice on how to improve the areas that needed more focus. I am so grateful that I did not end up going to university immediately after finishing A levels because this course has taught me so much and enabled me to start university with a better background to physiotherapy.

“Thanks to the distinctions I’ve achieved in all of the modules, I am now on track to start physiotherapy at the University of Birmingham, the top-ranked university for physiotherapy in England.” 

Head of Department for Sport, Philippa Gerrard, said: “Liv has shown dedication, passion, enthusiasm and determination from the very first day of her course. Whether the task be practical or theory orientated, she always applies herself to gain the highest mark that she can. Liv is on target to achieve a distinction grade in all units which is an outstanding achievement and reflects her hard work and high standard of coursework.” 

The Warwick Trident College Student of the Year was Megan Smith, a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Engineering student. The 18-year-old from Warwick said: “It was great to win the Engineering award and I really wasn’t expecting to get Trident Student of the Year as well so that was a shock! 

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my two years at Trident, I have learnt a lot and feel that I have come out a more rounded person and ready for whatever opportunities may come my way after college. I am glad that I didn’t fall into the typical route of A levels and chose something which suited me personally and allowed me to also work independently throughout the two years.”

Head of Department for Engineering, Colin Meikle, said: “Megan is an exceptional student who has consistently demonstrated a great understanding of engineering and an ability to work on her own initiative to a high level whilst also supporting other students and undertaking other commitments outside of college. This drive and energy will serve her well in the future.

Throughout her two years at Trident, Megan has impressed her tutors with her dedication to her studies, her determination to succeed and her quietly confident personality. She demonstrates all the attributes required for a successful future in engineering and we wish her well.”

The Royal Leamington Spa College Student of the Year was Supported Learning catering student Calum Booth. Calum, age 18 from Leamington Spa, said: “I felt honoured that I had been chosen out of all the other students. My family and tutor are really proud of me. 

“I have been on the catering course at Leamington College for two years now and can honestly say I have just loved it! It has helped me with looking at future employment, I have done work experience in the restaurant at Warwick Hospital and have now got a job in the college’s own refectory over the summer holidays.”

Head of Department for Supported Learning, Terri Davies, said: “Calum has become a key student member of the bistro and the catering kitchen team. He is very professional with customers and always strives to ensure that they are well looked after. 

“In addition to this, in the catering kitchen he follows high standards of food safety, health and safety and can prepare and cook food from scratch independently and to a very high standard. 

“Over the past two years Calum had developed into a mature and responsible individual who is ready to progress into future employment within the hospitality industry. This award is very well deserved and we wish him all the very best for the future.”

The Rugby College Student of the Year was Megan Bee, a Level 3 Theatrical and Media Makeup student. The 19-year-old from Coventry said: “I am so shocked at receiving this award; it’s a great honour to have been selected. This course has been amazing and has provided me with so many brilliant opportunities. I have worked at London Fashion Week and the NEC Photography Show, which allowed me to have my work published on the front cover of Photoshoot magazine. 

“I have also trained in London with different makeup brands, and with the skills and experience I have gained, I have set up my own business, allowing me to work for myself with no boundaries.”

Head of Department for Hair and Beauty, Roy Job said: “Megan has been given this award as she has performed above and beyond expectations on her study programme. In addition, she has achieved an A level in Photography at grade A, completed all work placement hours and was very quick to conclude her digital skills programme.

“The skills that Megan has worked hard to gain will give her every opportunity of working in the industry in the future, and we wish her every success.”