Barking & Dagenham College graduates celebrate

Around 450 graduates and guests packed out the Boothroyd Hall at Jo Richardson Community School, the venue used to host the event.

Special guest, the Mayor of the London Borough of Barking & Dagenham, Councillor Peter Chand addressed the graduates, explaining that he and his wife had both studied at the College: “The College offers opportunities to people of all ages and backgrounds, like you, and it is truly inspiring to be here. Equality and opportunity is one of my passions.

“My wife and I actually studied Health & Social Care at the College some 37 years ago. From that we ended up working in the care industry and we still do today; Barking & Dagenham College has enabled us to build a successful future…Your success in your studies will open many doors for you too.”

Graduates received their certificates in person from the Mayor in front of Yvonne Kelly Principal & CEO of the College, members of the Corporation and senior staff at the College.

As well as celebrating the graduates, this year, five special awards were made on behalf of the Symons-Hatton Trust to recognise students who have a dedicated and genuine passion for photography. This year’s 1st prize went to Leon Dohnji, with additional awards to Jenny Monrose, Catherine Rothschild, Baylea Burgess-Michaels and Ruby Chapman; they, like the winners in previous years, will be added to the roll of honour on the College’s website.

Brendan James, Head of Higher Level Skills & Enhancement at the College commented: “This year’s graduation was a great success; it is tremendous to see so many graduates attending the event, supported by their parents, family members and friends.

“Graduation is always an uplifting occasion and it was nice this year to see such a diverse range of qualifications being celebrated and to speak with our graduates and find out how they are progressing with their further studies and employment”.