Student success celebrated at Havant & South Downs College Students Awards 2019

Twenty-seven students received awards for their hard work and dedication in a number of subject areas, ranging from the creative arts to STEM.

The evening, which took place at The Port House in Port Solent, kicked off with drinks and canapés before an inspirational talk from Geoff Holt, the founder of Wetwheels.

Principal and Chief Executive of HSDC, Mike Gaston, then addressed the award winners and their guests. He said: “Welcome to the awards evening of Havant & South Downs College. It’s always an evening to remind us of our purpose – education transforms lives and we exist as a College to realise ambitions of our communities, raising aspirations, enabling achievement and fulfilling dreams.

“The citations you will hear tonight will be testaments to both students and staff for working together to realise that ambition and turn dreams of achievement into reality.

“I am proud and honoured to be able to reiterate that I am fortunate to be working with some of the best educators. The drive, passion and determination unpinned their by skill, knowledge and empathy has seen teaching and learning continue to raise progress and achievement.”

The awards were then handed out to the deserving students, before the final award for Student of the Year 2019 was announced as Marjana Siddiqa.

Speaking about how she felt winning the overall award for the evening, Health & Social Care HE student Marjana said: “My heart was beating so fast before the award was read out, I was getting so nervous. I feel so happy! The things they were saying about me were so nice, I’m not used to hearing people say such nice things about me.

“I am not very good at taking compliments, but it was really nice to hear. The awards evening has been so lovely, it has definitely helped to boost people’s confidence and make them feel good, It’s also great for their parents to see how well they’ve done and to make them proud.”

Marjana is going on to complete her BA in Health & Social Care at the University of Chichester next year. Following that, she hopes to complete a teaching degree to then work with children with special needs.

Havant & South Downs College would like to say a special thank you to all our award sponsors: The University of Winchester, The University of Southampton, Brunel University, Peter Ashley Activity Centre, The Rotary Club of Waterlooville, Bournemouth University, the Angela Hartnett Academy, Solent University Southampton, The University of Portsmouth, Drayton Medical Services, Cardiff University and Alan Mak.

Full list of awards winners:

Health & Social Care, Early Years & Teaching: Holly Potter, Lucy Hamilton

STEM: Dan Claydon, Emily Jerome

Sport and Public Services: Cara Thompson, Heather Cubbage

Foundations for Learning: Stevie Howard, Amy Walker

Hair & Beauty: Molly Hall, Emily Brookes

Hospitality & Catering: Morgan Fleet, Bella Skipp

Travel & Tourism: Dana Bishop

Business, Law & Economics: Shumi, Mhilen Mejia

Creative Arts: Alex Cheng

Higher Education: Marjana Siddiqa

English & Languages Chloe Harris, Sian Slaney

Humanities & Social Sciences: Jake Reeve, Lauren Jewell

Adult Learner of the Year: Kim Bird

Apprentice of the Year: Liam Hobby

Student Ambassador of the Year: Waisale Basiyalo

The Member of Parliament Merit: Harry Arnott-Hopkins, Claire Nowell, Macey Shipp

Member of Parliament’s Distinguished Achievement: Jake Reeve

Student of the Year 2019: Marjana Siddiqa