Hopwood Hall Further Education Awards

Date published: 17 December 2009

Hopwood Hall College held its Further Education Awards at Rochdale Town Hall last week.

The evening was attended by more than 70 students nominated for awards, parents, guardians, college staff, and dignitaries alongside representatives from sponsors by the Emerson Educations Trust Middleton and Rochdale Rotary Clubs.

Guests were welcomed in the grand hall by Master of Ceremonies John Binns, who also introduced dignitaries including Members of Parliament Jim Dobbin and Paul Rowan, the Mayor and Mayoress and other senior officers from the Council accompanied by John Hudson from Rochdale Development Agency.

There were live performances throughout the evening by the College Band.

The guest speakers were Chris McClelland, Manager of Rochdale Connexion, and one of Hopwood’s former alumni Clint Boon, band member of Inspiral Carpets, DJ and radio presenter.

The Curriculum Area Students from 14-16 awards, across all levels and areas, were presented by Principal Derek O’Toole, who first introduced the awards to the College three years ago.

The overall student of the year award, presented by Clint Boon, went to Performing Arts student Amy Charlick from Rochdale.

Amy’s tutor Paul Howarth said: "Amy strived at all times to reach her optimum and has been missed since her departure; however the high standards she sets herself have been maintained at university, so much so that she was one of four people who received a scholarship."

The 14-16 overall student of the year was Lewis Taylor, also from Rochdale. Lewis came from a local school and passed external examinations on the course with distinction grades. He is now training to be a motor mechanic as an apprentice with the college.

The Emerson Education Trust award went to Sports Student Hayley Warrender.

The Rotary Clubs of Rochdale presented a certificate and prize to hair and beauty student Renata Caso.