TWO students from Thurrock were among the top winners at South Essex College's virtual Celebrating Success event this evening (Wednesday, 16 June) which commemorated outstanding students' performances.

The awards evening had to play out slightly differently again this year because of Covid-19 and social distancing. A video montage of winners was created to showcase their achievements with photos of students receiving their awards.

A-Level Student of the Year is Menisha Masson from Grays who studied sociology, English literature and media studies at the college's Southend campus.

Menisha was nominated for the award not only for her hard work and achievements, but for also being an 'extremely caring person' who looked after fellow students to ensure they also achieved to their full potential.

Tutors said: "She works very hard, as demonstrated by the quality of her coursework. Menisha is always really engaged in lessons and contributes with intelligent and considered comments.

Menisha said she was extremely grateful to have won and was quick to thank her lecturers.

She said: "The thing that I enjoyed most about studying at South Essex College was the sense of community and the fact that the lecturers are always happy to go above and beyond in order to ensure you reach your full potential.

"It's clear that the college promotes a growth mindset that allows people to flourish and achieve to their highest potential.

"I would recommend the college as I've had a great time here. It's been such a great environment to learn in and I couldn't recommend it more."

Menisha now plans to take a gap year to gain more experience for university where she plans to study law.

And Rachel Bird from Corringham was named Travel & Tourism Student of the Year after undertaking the Level 3 Aviation Operations course, also at the college's Southend campus.

Rachel was nominated for the award because of her desire to achieve the highest standards and for her extra curriculum activities outside of the college.

Rachel is an air cadet where she supports her unit in Stanford-le-Hope and shares her passion for the aviation industry. She also worked very hard in year one where she was selected to attend the prestigious Aim Higher Programme where she spent a week at Biggin Hill learning about the various roles in aviation.

Rachel said: "South Essex College offered something that other colleges did not offer and has provided many great opportunities to learn about the industry."

Her tutor said: "Rachel is an outstanding student with a passion for the aviation industry and a desire to achieve the highest standards. She has worked very hard during her time with us."

Rachel added: "It feels great to be acknowledged for my hard work and rewarded. It's really given me confidence in myself and work and reminds me of how much I love the industry I hope to one day work for."

Other successful students at the awards included:

Adult Student of the Year

Abbigail Hutchings, from Southend, studied the Access to HE Art and Design course at the college's Southend campus.

Abbigail was nominated for the award for her dedication and drive and her ambition to pursue Fine Art at university level, despite coping with a difficult background in care and having to deal with anxiety and being a young single mum.

She chose to study at the college as her teachers in the art department have been 'amazing', treating Abbigail like an adult and understanding her responsibilities as a single mother who lives on her own.

Abbigail said: "It feels great winning this award for college, I struggled with education my entire life and spent most of my early teen years not in education until I went Into foster care at age 14 (nearly 15) so it feels amazing winning awards while being in education!"

"I honestly never believe I would go to university but here I am, living and breathing proof that you can make up for lost time when you are older and that foster care doesn't always have to stop you achieving in life."

Her tutors have praised her on her dedication and said: "Even though she has not always had access to the resources needed to achieve the best grades, she has not let this deter her and in every project, demonstrates her ability to respond to advice and guidance."

Abbigail has plans to continue her education at University Centre South Essex and has set her mind on achieving her teaching qualification and become an art and design teacher.

Animal Care Student of the Year

Gracie Ann Gleed, from Dagenham, studied Level 3 Animal Management at the college's Southend campus.

She has always had a passion for animals and chose the college because the course offered her the chance to gain a career in a profession she loved.

She said: "I have loved learning new things and have made lots of friends. I especially loved being in the animal room. I was shocked but very happy to win this award."

Her tutor said: "Gracie produces outstanding work, is highly professional, polite and is the shining star in my class. She supports other students and is caring and compassionate towards the animals in our care. She has shown resilience throughout this difficult year and sets the standard for the other students on her course."

Gracie said: "I would recommend South Essex College because there is a range of course to choose from and there is always someone to help if needed."

Gracie is planning to progress to university and eventually wants to become a veterinary nurse.

Early Years Student of the Year

Emily Pearce, from Eastwood, studied Level 3 Childcare and Education at the college's Southend campus.

She was nominated for the award because, despite having dyslexia, she has consistently met deadlines and achieved an A*. She begins A-Levels after the summer and hopes to go to university.

She said: "I chose the college because as soon as I walked in on the open day when I was in year 11, I thought the college had an amazing feeling and I knew I wanted to go here; the tutors explained the course structure really well, I felt that I would be well supported in meeting all my goals.

"The support I have received has been amazing, my tutors always respond quickly when I need help or just someone to talk to."

Emily feels that her biggest achievement so far is in overcoming dyslexia and dyspraxia to achieve the grades that she wanted.

Her tutor said: "Emily is conscientious and hardworking, always wanting to be the best she can be. She always has a big smile on her face and is friendly and cheerful to everyone she meets.

"She is always kind and supports her peers both emotionally and academically when they are struggling or having an off-day.

"Emily has received outstanding feedback form placement and has a passion for early years and working with children. Group B would definitely not be the same without her!"

Emily added: "I honestly felt really surprised about winning the award! Every one of the students on my course are so lovely it could have gone to anyone."

Emily eventually wants to work with children, either as a paediatric nurse or paediatrician.

Engineering Student of the Year

Ilya Petrine, from Laindon, studied Level 3 Engineering at the college's Luckyn Lane campus.

Ilya was nominated for the award for his dedication to his studies, exemplary behaviour and leadership skills.

His tutors praised him for his own achievements, but also for the teamwork he has shown over the duration of his course.

They said: "He is an excellent team worker who has assisted fellow students within groupwork and demonstrated excellent leadership skills in the project unit.

"He always seeks clarification when he is not sure in class and the work submitted is ahead of time and to a high standard.

"Ilya has developed from a quiet student to a potentially skilled future engineer whose values and approach to his studies are an example to his fellow students.

Ilya said he was 'thrilled' to have won the award and said his time at the college was 'most enjoyable'.

He added: "Winning the award was very exciting and it has encouraged me to work harder.

"I chose to study at the college because it offered the right course for me and there is a very safe environment with very supportive staff."

Ilya now hopes to progress onto university with the aim of becoming a highly qualified specialist engineer.

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Student of the Year and South Essex College Student of the Year 2021

Nikola Zimowska, from Westcliff, was crowned overall Student of the Year at this year's Celebrating Success ceremony.

Nikola, 17, studied on the English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) course at the college's Southend Campus.

Nikola was nominated because of her rapid progression and her supportive and helpful attitude to her fellow students.

Prior to coming to the college Nikola had lived and had studied in Poland, her native country.

Currently she has achieved Entry 3 English qualification, Entry 3 Employability and Level 1 Maths and wants to study public services before going to university. She hopes to become a police officer in the future.

Nikola said: "My time at South Essex College has helped build my confidence, taught me how to make a CV and how to get through a good interview. I have gained communication and work skills."

Her tutor said: "Nikola has been an exemplar of a learner during her two years here at the college. Having started at Entry 1, in such a short space of time, she excelled in her English ability and leapfrogged Entry 2 to gain a place in Entry 3, where this academic year, she has really shined.

"But it is when she was nominated to be the course rep where she really came into her own. A constant presence among her peers, she is always there to support them, take on board their ideas. I can actually imagine her being a teacher herself one day as she has such a personable rapport with everyone and is always so helpful."

Nikola added: "I'm feeling absolutely amazed and surprised that I have won these awards. I didn't expect it, but I'm so proud of myself because I know I worked hard for them. I would like to say thank you to my fantastic teachers, it's all thanks to them, they taught me everything that I know now and I wouldn't have achieved this without their support."

Hair & Beauty Student of the Year

Leah Goulding from Brentwood, studied the level 3 Beauty Therapy course at the college's Southend campus.

Leah was nominated for the award for her high standard of professionalism on the course and for being a friendly face and support to her classmates.

During her studies Leah also worked in a salon where she was well respected and learnt many skills which she was happy to embed into her treatments and which has helped with her development.

Leah has a passion for beauty and says: "I feel proud that I won this award as I am very passionate about what I do I feel like this is a step further into my career."

Her tutor said: "Leah not only had impeccable attendance but was always on time, and stayed to help out where ever possible. This always then encouraged and set a great example to the rest of the class who seemed to look up to her and follow her lead."

Leah has a job in a salon and will continue to work there with the possibility of doing self-employed work. She is keen to do beauty qualifications such as brown lamination and aesthetics and has an ambition to own a salon in the future.

Hospitality & Catering Student of the Year

Stacey Thrower, from Benfleet, studied the Level 3 Patisserie and Confectionary course at the college's Southend campus.

She was nominated for her attendance, punctuality and attitude to work and for progressing through the catering courses. Tutors praised her for putting all of her time, effort and attention into all aspects of her studies.

Stacey chose to study at South Essex College as it offered a range of courses that support her career plan and has smaller class sizes which were more personalised.

Stacey said: "I feel happy to have been nominated and be recognised for my hard work over the years."

Her tutor said: "She joined us for Level 2 Professional Cookery and progressed to Level 3 Patisserie and Confectionary, and throughout her time with us her attendance, punctuality and attitude to work have been exemplary to all."

Stacey is looking to study at university with aspirations to own her own small patisserie in the future.

IT Student of the Year

Westcliffe's Enrico Obeng studied Level 3 IT at the college's Basildon Town Centre campus.

He was nominated for the award for his 'excitement for learning and a dedication for going above and beyond.'

His work has always been of utmost quality and he excelled in all aspects of his work, which is even more impressive considering English is not his first language.

He started his course with qualifications from Italy, including English and maths and has embraced learning in another country.

His tutors praised him for his own efforts but for also supporting others.

They said: "He worked well with everyone and really tried to include and help struggling students participate and understand the concepts being covered in sessions."

Enrico said he felt 'blessed, happy and excited' after winning the award.

He added: "I worked very hard and receiving this award shows that other people acknowledge my work and they think I deserve an award for it is incredible.

"The great thing about this course is there are a lot of very different modules so you will surely find something you like, something you enjoy learning. The diversity of the units allows students to find their strong point and work on it."

Enrico was also quick to thank his tutors.

He said: "They have always been there to help me through any difficulties or challenges. I came from Italy last year; I didn't know the language very well and mostly I didn't know how the college worked. I need to thank them. They not only helped me with my studies, but also helped me understand how the system works and how to be part of the English college environment."

Enrico now plans to continue studying IT at university with his goal of starting his own business of IT service delivery, management and support.

Media Student of the Year

Gracie Jewell, from Basildon, studied Creative Media (Television and Film) at the college's Southend campus.

She was nominated for her award because she has been a consistently high-achieving, high-attending and motivational student throughout the two years on her course.

She chose to study at the college because she liked its location and liked the fact that the college had lots of facilities.

She said: "The course tutors were really nice which made the move from school to college really easy."

Her tutor said: "Gracie has never given up even throughout topics and areas that she struggles with. She plays an active role in the student voice at the college by being student rep for her course. She uses this role to support others in the group, whilst at thesame time managing her own journey. She is a joy to teach and very much deserves recognition for her hard work."

Gracie added: "I was really surprised to win this award; it was a really nice surprise and a great way to end my time here at South Essex!

"My favourite thing about studying at college is that there is so much support, if I'm struggling with coursework I have so many teachers I can go and speak to get help it's really nice."

Gracie is going to the university of Lincoln to study media studies and hopes to become a media studies teacher. She also wants to get some of her short films included at film festivals .

Gracie concluded: "This college has given me so many amazing and positive experiences and I would want somebody to have the same positive experiences I had so that's why I would recommend the college to anybody."

Motor Vehicle Student of the Year

Benjamin How, from Basildon, studied Level 3 Motor Vehicle Maintenance and Repair at the college's Stephenson Road campus.

He was nominated for the award for overcoming a number of challenges and excelling in his work by his tutor who said he has been a pleasure to teach.

They said: "Benjamin has developed leaps and bounds. He is a very open, chatty and friendly young man that any employer would be lucky to have. If I could have a class full of Benjamins then it would be the best class I'd ever have."

Benjamin said he was delighted to have won the award and thankful for the support he has experienced.

He added: "I feel great as I had many troubles at school and struggled to achieve what I knew could. The college had the best facilities for my course and I really enjoyed the supportive learning environment, I'd definitely recommend the course."

Benjamin now hopes to progress into employment within the industry.

Sport Student of the Year

Lily Wilding from Basildon, studied Level 3 Sport & Exercise Science at the college's Southend campus.

Lily was nominated for being a high achieving student who has been very consistent and performed well with coursework and mock exams throughout the two years on her course.

She chose to study at the college because it had the course she was looking for and she had great recommendations from other people.

Lily said: "I am very proud of myself for winning the award, I have worked hard this year and glad it has not gone unnoticed by my teachers. I am very appreciative of my teachers for all the support they have given this year and my nomination."

Her lecturer said: "Lily has high aspirations and motivations to have a successful career, and she has worked very hard to provide herself with a strong foundation through her studies."

Lily hopes to go to university to complete a sports degree with aspirations to become a teacher in the future.