‘Hard work pays off’: Students celebrate higher education awards

CELEBRATION: Graduates at the Priory Church of St Mary

By Rick Lyon

Graduates from East Riding College and Scarborough TEC donned caps and gowns to celebrate their academic achievements with family and friends at their annual higher education awards ceremony.

East Riding College Vice Principal Helen Wooldridge officially welcomed graduates and guests to the event at the historic Priory Church of St Mary, in Bridlington.

Students collected their qualifications from their awarding body, which included TEC Partnership awards conferred by Ann Hardy, CEO of the partnership, University of Hull awards, conferred by Professor Jacquie White, head of nursing and midwifery, faculty of health sciences, and University of Huddersfield awards, conferred by Dr Lynn Senior, director of the education and training consortium.

Ms Hardy said: “I am delighted to be here today to mark our student’s success and to see them celebrate with their family and friends.

“Our higher education provision has been designed to ensure we are training people to undertake jobs in the local area and meet the needs of the businesses we serve in the local community. We aim to keep talent local and encourage our graduates to live and work in the region.

“I wish them all the best for the future, and I am sure they will go on to have successful careers in their chosen field.”

STUDENT OF THE YEAR: Jessica Barr

BA(Hons) Social Science graduate Jessica Barr was awarded the Student of the Year Award, recognising her dedication and commitment to her studies.

Jessica said: “My journey over the last three years at East Riding College has been life-changing.

“I wasn’t your typical student, I returned to education later on in life. I never thought I would be capable of pursuing a degree, let alone being awarded the Student of the Year.

“It was a great honour and shock to receive this award. To be recognised for my hard work and dedication to my studies was wonderful. Completing my degree would not have been possible without the endless support, incredible tutors and teaching structure and resources that East Riding College provides.

“My degree has been a continual journey of self-development and it has given me the confidence to further my studies and transition straight onto a Master’s programme. My advice to anyone unsure about returning to education or doing a degree is to attend open events and speak to the tutors, as they are very welcoming and the college has a wide range of degree programmes and access courses available.

“The combination of hard work, perseverance and support really does lead to wonderful things.”

Following the ceremony, graduates and guests enjoyed a reception at East Riding College’s St Mary’s Walk campus.