AS a new term began for students at Exeter College yesterday, some of last year’s greatest success stories were being celebrated in style at the Exeter College Student Awards 2010 event held at the Thistle Hotel.

The real stars of the evening were the 28 award winners whose high achievements were honoured in the presence of their families, VIP guests, including community and business leaders from across Exeter and Devon, and College management and staff.

The award categories spanned across the College’s broad curriculum, ranging from Higher Education, Adult Community Education, Most Promising 14-16 Student, Apprentice of the Year to Sports Person of the Year, and many more.

While the formal frocks and suits of the 185 guests attending lent red carpet glamour to the evening, extra sparkle was added to the night by one prize winner who couldn’t make it because he was back in his native Spain to celebrate his mother’s 90th birthday.

By pre-recorded video link, Felix Pando, Skills for Life and Learning Student of the Year, sent a heart-warming message of appreciation to those who had inspired him at the College during his studies.

The purpose of the evening was to formally recognise the extraordinary achievements of some of Exeter College’s students from across the entire range of subjects and qualifications during the academic year 2009-2010.

Prizes were presented by one of Exeter College’s most famous alumni, Michael Caines MBE, who was the Guest of Honour.

The sponsors were: aBode Exeter, BoulterBowen WealthCare, Exeter Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Devon County Council, Exeter City Council, Exeter City FC, the Met Office, Mansell, Stagecoach South West, Foot Anstey Solicitors and Barclays Corporate.

Among those speaking on the night was Exeter College Principal Richard Atkins who invited his audience to join him in a retrospective look at the College’s achievements as a whole during the last year.

Beforehand, he said: “The College is very proud of its students’ achievements, and these are celebrated in a number of ways individually by faculties throughout the year.

“The annual Student Awards offer us the opportunity to celebrate the success of those who have achieved excellence in their studies, sometimes in difficult circumstances, and who have made a positive contribution to the lives of others either within the College, the community, or both.”

Please click here to go to our Students Awards page and read more about our award winners for 2010…