A Norwich college has toasted the achievements of 21 students at its annual ceremony to celebrate inspiring stories.
City College Norwich (CCN) praised the students at its Further Education Awards, which were held at the Assembly House in Norwich last week.
Each winner was nominated by tutors or lecturers out of the more than 4,000 students who studied at CCN last year.
Corrienne Peasgood, CCN principal, said: 'This year's Further Education Awards ceremony was a fantastic celebration of excellence and achievement by a group of truly stand-out students from the class of 2017.
'We are exceptionally proud of our students' successes, which have been brilliantly supported by our expert teachers and valued employer partners. I would like to congratulate all of our award winners on their truly outstanding achievements and wish them every success for the future.'
Two of the 21 students received particular praise in special awards.
Brendan Thraxton picked up the Governors' Award for Outstanding Student Achievement and Leah Cranswick was given the Governors' Robert Walton Award for Outstanding Contribution to College Life.
Before coming to CCN, Miss Cranswick, 19, battled with mental health issues and started a petition to improve services.
After she received 80,000 signatures, she linked up with UK charity Young Minds, which took the petition to 10 Downing Street.
The experience made her pursue a career as a mental health nurse.
She said: 'When I found out that I had my place at college I was really nervous, because at that point I couldn't get on a bus or talk to people and I didn't have any friends. At the beginning I really struggled to make friends and I couldn't walk to a different lesson on my own but then something just clicked and I think it was all the support from the tutors.
'I was really emotional and felt really privileged when I found out that I had won the first award because people like me don't win awards. I really couldn't believe it when my name was read out for the second award. I feel really proud of myself and I've never felt like that before.'
Overcoming barriers
Jake Hazelgrove, an access to business management student, has overcome personal challenges to complete his course.
The 22-year-old, from Norwich, won the award for Outstanding Achievement and Commitment in Access to Higher Education, which was sponsored by Snelling Business Systems.
During the course, Mr Hazelgrove overcame severe financial hardship and the prospect of homelessness, but did not let his determination to finish his course waiver.
He will now study international business management at Anglia Ruskin University.
'I was flabbergasted when I found out that I had won this award,' he said. 'The teachers on my course have been amazing and they've really gone the extra mile to help me during some challenging times. Without them helping me like they did, I don't think my exams would have gone as well as they have done.'
Full list of winners
Outstanding Achievement at A-level, sponsored by Howes Percival Solicitors - Catherine Lee
Outstanding Achievement at AS Level, sponsored by Mills & Reeve - William Sims
Outstanding Student Progression in Foundation Learning, sponsored by Holiday Inn Norwich - Brendan Thraxton
Overcoming Barriers to Success in Pre-Employment Training (MINT), sponsored by Hatch Brenner - Fern Catchpole
Dedication and Progress in English, sponsored by Federation of Small Businesses - Felicity Player-Read
Dedication and Progress in Maths, sponsored by Grant Thornton - Luke Isherwood
Dedication and Hard Work in ESOL, sponsored by Serco - Fatumata Djalo
Outstanding Personal and Academic Progression in Phoenix Plus, sponsored by Norwich City Council - Madison Wiles
Outstanding Achievement in Construction, sponsored by Kier - Rhys Sheehan
Outstanding Achievement in Creative, Production and Performing Arts, sponsored by Norwich Theatre Royal - Maria Barreiros
Outstanding Progress in Business and Retail, sponsored by Arnolds Keys - Callum Ellis
Outstanding Effort in Engineering, sponsored by KLM Engineering - Lawson Parker-Benn
Outstanding Achievement in Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy - sponsored by Mustard TV - Angel Kenzitt
Outstanding Commitment and Progression in Hospitality and Catering, sponsored by The Forum Trust - Daniel Youngs
Outstanding Achievement in Health and Social Care, sponsored by Norfolk and Suffolk Dementia Alliance - Leah Cranswick
Outstanding Achievement in Sports and Public Services, sponsored by Active Norfolk - Megan Belsey
Outstanding Achievement and Commitment in Access to Higher Education, sponsored by Snelling Business Systems - Jake Hazelgrove
Outstanding Commitment and Achievement in Information Technology, sponsored by Aviva - Daniel Hayes
Outstanding Achievement in Education and Training, sponsored by Norfolk County Council - Keely Smithurst
The Students' Union Award for Enhancing the Student Experience, sponsored by Adnams - Jessica Crowley
The James Barr Memorial Award - Julie Wainwright
The Governors' Robert Walton Award for Outstanding Contribution to College Life – Leah Cranswick
The Governors' Award for Outstanding Student Achievement - Brendan Thraxton
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