Students honoured for achievement at awards ceremony

ABOUT 70 students were recognised at The Henley College’s annual education awards ceremony.

The event took place at Henley town hall and was attended by more than 100 parents and carers.

There were musical performances by students Hattie Parker, Dan Symes and Tamara Jovanova.

Awards were given out for achievement in A-levels, industry placements and elite sports.

College principal Satwant Deol told the audience: “Tonight is particularly poignant for me as it marks my final year as principal before retirement. It fills me with immense pride and joy to witness the success of our students, whose dedication and hard work have truly shone through.

“To our award recipients, your achievements are a testament to your incredible determination and resilience. You have not only excelled academically but have also exemplified the values we hold dear.

“Your success serves as an inspiration to your peers and a source of great pride for all of us.

“To the parents, guardians, governors, special guests and our dedicated staff, I extend my heartfelt thanks for your unwavering support and commitment to nurturing and guiding our students.

“Your belief in their potential has been instrumental in their accomplishments. This evening’s celebration is a testament to the collective effort of our entire community. Congratulations once again to our deserving award recipients. Let us cherish this evening of celebration and recognition.”

Mike Ashton, who chairs the college governors, said: “We are so passionately proud of all the students who pass through The Henley College and tonight is all about the best of the best.

“Well done to all of you. You are such talented young people and we are delighted to play a small part in your journey.

“We are so excited about what will be coming next for you. Enjoy your lives and your success however you choose to define that success.”

He praised Mrs Deol, saying: “She has been a passionate and fearsome advocate of this college for the last seven years.

“There has been much development, funding and investment. She has led attracting that. She’s absolutely outstanding at doing that. She is a fearsome defender and supporter of the interests of her staff and most particularly her students. She cares so passionately about each and every one of you. It’s like you’re her kids.”

Amanda Heath, chair of the Henley Educational Trust, which sponsored the event, said: “For those of you who are not familiar with the trust, it has existed in one form or another since 1604 to support educational needs in our local area.

“We do this primarily by giving grants to local schools, colleges and organisations and by supporting individuals up to the age of 25 with grants to help them access educational and work opportunities. The prizes this evening are from an endowment fund gifted by Henry William Brakspear in 1883.

“He was several times Mayor and also became the sole owner of the Brakspear brewing business in 1848. Henley Educational Trust has responsibility for administering his prize fund.”

The award winners were as follows: A-levels — Accounting year 1: Nick O’Toole; Accounting year 2: Denis Andrei; Ancient history: Luke Bowley; Art and design: Dylan Hodgson; Biology: Emma Francis; Business: Louis Anderson; Chemistry: Sophie Chandler; Classical civilisation: Scarlett Duffield; Computer science: Polina Hryshchenko; Criminology: Benjamin Wambura; Dance: Bebe Martin; Economics: Hama Agah; English language: Luke Bates; English literature: Lily Allenden; English literature and language: Tea Scott; Environmental science: Ella-Rose Gaskin; Film studies: Reuben Hahn; French: Florence Wrake; Geography: Mia Pettitt; History: Tillie Moss-Black; Marketing: Iona Hutchings; Mathematics: Isabella Pasker Barnes; Further mathematics: Jessica Wood; Media studies: Emma Francis; PE: Will Bacchus; Philosophy: Jess Gray; Photography: Iona Hutchings; Physics: Sylvia Draper; Politics: Stuart Fagence; Psychology: Maddie Welch; Sociology: Evie Townsend; Spanish: Naila Juma.

Applied A-levels — Applied human biology: Simran Dhillon; Applied science: Nikodem Sobieraj; Applied sport & exercise science: Emily Lunn.

Vocational level 2 & 3 — Business: Jack D’Cruz; Creative media production: Josh Gasparro; Forensic and criminal investigation: Annabelle Stonell; ICT and computing: Karam Foad; Music: Arthur McDonald; Performing arts: Amiera Mason; Public services: Hollie Glencross; Sport and exercise science: Molly Hulcup; Sport, fitness & personal training: Ethan Longhurst; Sports industry skills: Ashton Phillips; Travel and tourism: Maddy Humphreys.

Engineering — Peter Howard Memorial Award: Amy Cox.

Elite sports — Football: Seb D’Aversa; Rugby (boys); Jack O’Kelly; Rugby (girls): Hayley Jones.

Foundations and pathways — Foundations: Muskan Khan; Pathways: Alice Sharman.

Industry placements — Zoe Brown, Calantha Smith.

Reading list scholarship — Simran Dhillon, Alex Cranston.

Welfare award — Ronaldo Bristol, Cassie Humphrey.

Personal and professional development tutor award — George Hemsworth, Charlotte Smale-
Holland.

Brakspear Awards — President: -Eve Hoskin; Vice-president: Rosie Burton.

Principal’s Award — Madi Orkney. August Buchan, Jessica Tarn, George Hemsworth.

The event was also sponsored by Breakspear, Henley Rugby Club and recruitment agency HM Staffing.