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Celebrating Success 2022
The outstanding achievements of South Essex College students have been celebrated at the college’s annual awards ceremony, Celebrating Success.
The event, held at the Park Inn, Southend, saw more than 30 students from across the college’s departments and campuses receive Student of the Year awards.
The awards recognised those studying on further education and adult programmes as well as apprenticeships. Higher education students studying at University Centre South Essex were also recognised.
Students were nominated for a variety of reasons including outstanding achievements, overcoming barriers to learning and positive contributions in the classroom.
The awards were presented by guest speaker and former college student Katie Winter who excelled during her time at the college to secure fulltime employment.
Katie studied on the Supported Internship programme at the college which allows young people with an Educational, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) to transition from education into the world of work by combining work placements with study at college. Katie now works at IKEA in Lakeside.
She encouraged students to ‘have a good work ethic, have a positive attitude, be on time and most importantly, to have fun!’
Luke Lambert, who studies Musical Theatre at the college’s Southend Campus, was picked from all of the departmental winners by college principal, Denise Brown, to be named as overall Student of the Year.
Luke was praised for his dedication, ambition, and commitment to study as well as pursuing his career ambitions. His tutors described him as a model student who not only pushes himself to achieve, but his peers too.
College Principal Denise Brown added her congratulations to all award winners.
She said: "It was the first time in a few years we have been able to hold our annual awards evening in person because of the pandemic, so it really was a special night.
“We are all extremely proud of our students’ achievements this year and wish them all the best for the future.”
For more information about courses available at the college, visit www.southessex.ac.uk
Celebrating Success 2022 winners:
Fortitude Award
Joshua Adjekukor
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Student of the Year
Angel Hara
Gateway to Vocational Learning Student of the Year
Lubna Sahmoud
Animal Care Student of the Year
Zoe Souto
Health and Social Care Student of the Year
George Humphries
Science Student of the Year
Emma Groom
Early Years Student of the Year
Macy Sugg
Art and Design Student of the Year
Reiss Willis
Media Student of the Year
Sophie Peacock
IT Student of the year
Stefan Vijan
Performing Arts Student of the Year
Luke Lambert
Hairdressing Student of the Year
Molly Wheal
Public Services Student of the Year
Aimee Glaze
Sports Student of the Year is
Mia Riley
Travel and Tourism Student of the Year
Lucas Vale
Hospitality & Catering Student of the Year
Jamie Murphy
Building Services Student of the Year
Andy Amoako
Construction Student of the Year
Harry Wilson
Engineering Student of the Year
Joseph Carroll
Motor Vehicle Student of the Year
Maison Lundrigan
Business & Logistics Student of the Year
Chloe Wade
Apprentice of the Year
Tyler Fairman
South Essex College Student of the Year
Luke Lambert
Adult Student of the Year
Chelsea Morrison
Higher Education awards
UAL Students of the Year
Amy Slade & Sophie Wade
UEA Student of the Year
Billy Gibbons
Teaching and Learning Student of the Year
Chloe Simpson
HNC Students of the Year
Aniku-Rehman Gul & Mark Ganyu
Success stories
Celebrating Success 2022: Maison Lundrigan
Course studied
It’s a great college, especially for people with disabilities. The support I received from my tutor Charlie was brilliant. I really enjoyed the practical, hands-on aspect of the course.
Maison Lundrigan was named Motor Vehicle Student of the Year for his dedication and the consistent hard work he put into his studies.
The 18-year-old was praised for the high quality of his work and the fact that he was the first to pass his online exams.
He has excelled during his time at the college, so much so, he is now embarking on a three-year apprenticeship programme at the college.
Maison has achieved all this despite living with additional needs.
He said it felt ‘brilliant’ to win the award and ‘it’s made me realise that I can achieve even with my disability.’
He added: “I chose the college because it offered the right course for me.
“It’s a great college, especially for people with disabilities. The support I received from my tutor Charlie was brilliant. I really enjoyed the practical, hands-on aspect of the course.”
Maison is now looking forward to his apprenticeship so he can pursue his dream of becoming a car mechanic.
His tutor said: “He is a pleasant and well-mannered young man that any college or employer would be pleased to have. Maison has a very bright future ahead of him.”
Celebrating Success 2022: Luke Lambert
Course studied
Performing and Production Arts (Musical Theatre) Level 3 Extended Diploma
I have enjoyed receiving honest feedback and having the opportunity to grow as a performer. Tutors really encourage their students.
Performing Arts Student of the Year, Luke Lambert, has won his award because in every respect, his development and improvement has been outstanding.
Luke said that he feels extremely proud and grateful for the recognition.
He said: “I chose to study at the college because I went to the open day with my parents. We were all really excited by the course and impressed by Richard and his ambition for his students.”
He added: “The course has been great for learning professional etiquette, as well as the actual training. I have enjoyed receiving honest feedback and having the opportunity to grow as a performer. Richard and Neil really encourage their students.”
Luke’s tutor said: “Luke is an outstanding student. The development of his skills set during his time at this college is phenomenal which has been rewarded by casting him in the lead of the cohorts FMP production of ‘Spring Awakening’. As a result of his continuous diligence and want to improve, he has achieved offers from four top London Drama Schools to study Musical Theatre, Bird College, Arts Educational, Italia Conti and Guildford Conservatoire (GSA). This is far above what was expected at the beginning of his training.
“He has demonstrated that he is highly motivated to succeed in this industry and aspires to always do his best. He is polite and well-mannered at all times to both his peers and his tutors. He is extremely well respected by his cohort. He is always supportive of them and goes out of his way to help them.
“He has become a very influential member of the group in so many positive ways. Behaviour, focus and attention to detail is impeccable and cannot be faulted. He has met every deadline for both practical and academic tasks. A faultless time at this college.”
Luke will be studying for a BA (Hons) in Musical Theatre at ArtsEd in London from September and his ultimate ambition is to be performing leading roles in the West End.
Zoe Souto, 17, from Rayleigh, studied Level 2 Animal Care at the college’s Southend campus.
She was nominated for the award for her excellent attendance and attitude to college life and for completing work before deadlines to a very high standard.
Her tutor said: “Zoe is a very calming influence on the group. She keeps up-to-date with all work and goes above and beyond what is expected.
“Zoe may be hearing impaired but she never lets that act as a barrier to her learning and does everything to a great standard. I often have to set her work from level 3 to keep her ticking over.”
Zoe said: “I feel so proud of myself and surprised as I didn’t expect to be nominated, let alone win. I enjoyed all the support that was given during my course and have always been made to feel at home at the college.”
Zoe’s ambition for the future is to run her own pet services business or run her own cattery.
