Inspirational Billy wins national award

A ‘truly inspirational’ South Essex College student has won a national award by being named the Association of Colleges’ ‘Young Student of the Year’.

Billy Gibbons, who studies Public Services at the college’s Southend Campus, beat off competition from across the country and received his award at a glitzy ceremony in Birmingham on Tuesday evening. 

Billy was recognised for his outstanding academic achievement while facing a number of barriers, as well as his charitable work within the community.

The 18-year-old from Westcliff has achieved a distinction in every assessment during his course so far which would be an outstanding achievement for any student, but Billy has attained this with a profound bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. 

Billy also has significant speech and language delay, developmental delay and an auditory processing impairment. He communicates using ‘total communication’ which combines British Sign Language, lip reading, speaking and listening. He also has mild cerebral palsy affecting mainly his lower limbs. Alongside all of this he also helps as a carer for his twin sister.

Despite the barriers he faces, his tutors say he is one of the most determined students they have ever met who does not strive for the recognition it brings him, but because he wants to be the best version of himself.

Billy said he was shocked to have won.

He said: “I am so proud of myself because everyone at the awards deserved to win. This has definitely given me the extra confidence to know I can achieve great things and will help me when I leave college and decide what to do next.

“It means a lot to me because I work hard and I’m fortunate to have amazing support at the college to help me. I think the biggest thing anyone can do is believe in themselves.”

Billy is also extremely active within the local community. He recently went to Buckingham palace to receive his gold Duke of Edinburgh award for his volunteering work with charity 'Kids First'. This charity is part of Thurrock and District Cerebral Palsy Society offering support and opportunities to children in the community. While doing this he was also working as a volunteer in a PHAB shop and has also volunteered within the Royal Association for Deaf People, helping out with sailing trips.

He also plays cricket for Essex Ability, swims with Runnymede Swim Club and has completed training as a fire cadet within Essex County Fire and Rescue Service.

Billy’s tutor Donna James said he was a true inspiration to all.

She said: “This award is truly deserved. Billy shows others that there are no limits to what you can achieve. He never complains about his situation, he simply works out solutions to any issues he faces without drama or negativity. 

“He can inspire people facing all types of barriers whether this be a disability, a family issue, a mental issue or a health issue, that if you focus on your goals, remain positive and work hard good things will result. He is a true inspiration.”

The awards were announced on Tuesday 19 November at an evening of celebration at the Association of Colleges’ Annual Conference, showcasing some of the ways that colleges are transforming the lives of more than two million people across England and how vital colleges are to the future of the British economy in the 21st century.
 

Success stories

Celebrating Success 2022: Luke Lambert

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. 
 

Celebrating Success 2022: Zoe Souto

Celebrating Success 2022: Zoe Souto

Course studied

Animal Care Level 2 Diploma

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.
 

Celebrating Success 2022: Sophie Peacock

Celebrating Success 2022: Sophie Peacock

Course studied

Creative Media Production (Television and Film Production) Level 3 Extended Diploma

I would definitely recommend South Essex College to those are who are looking for somewhere to be themselves and find their true passion.

Sophie Peacock, 17, from Billericay, studied the Level 3 Creative Media (Television and Film) Diploma at the college’s Southend campus.

She was nominated for the award for her good level of organisation and commitment to every task as well as being a mature, professional and articulate student. 

Her tutor said: “Sophie takes advantage of every opportunity available to her both in college and outside, as she understands the value and benefits it will provide her with, in terms of networking, communicating, professionalism and improving her knowledge and skills. She is an absolute pleasure to have in the classroom and I hope she goes on to achieve great success.”
Sophie chose to study at the college because she liked the facilities that were available for her course.

She has loved the amount of creative freedom that the course has offered and being able to create any ideas and turn them into a reality with the support of her tutors.

Sophie was really proud and a little bit overwhelmed about winning the award.

She said: “I would definitely recommend South Essex College to those are who are looking for somewhere to be themselves and find their true passion.”

Sophie’s ambition for the future is to become a producer on the set of a live entertainment program.