Local trio battle hardships to land learning awards (From Burnham & Highbridge Weekly News)

Local trio battle hardships to land learning awards

8:00am Tuesday 9th February 2010

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)

COLLEGE students from Highbridge, East Bent and Berrow have battled personal trials to be honoured for their outstanding achievements.

Edward Bridge, aged 40, from Highbridge was named electrical student of the year at Weston College’s Celebration of Success bash.

The mature student was unemployed when he enrolled in 2006 and struggled at first after years away from education.

But his perseverance and will to succeed in life has paid off and he has now completed levels two and three of the electro-technical technology course – achieving the highest mark of any student in his written exam.

Edward also completed a testing and inspection certificate and is now in full-time employment.

Apprentice social worker Katrina Burse from Berrow overcame a number of personal challenges to secure a distinction on her course.

The 18-year-old wowed her tutor and other staff with her dedication and determination to achieve success.

Rosalind Wright, 19, from East Brent was crowned public services student of the year after gaining a distinction in her national diploma course.

She was also recognised in the Pride of Somerset awards for her fundraising work for the Help the Heroes charity and as a volunteer carer for the Over the Wall charity.

Rosalind has now left college and is studying nursing at John Moores University in Liverpool.

About 300 guests attended the ceremony and awards were handed out by BRIT award nominee and former Weston College student Beth Rowley.

Weston College principal Dr Paul Phillips said: “These awards were presented to students who have gone the extra mile in their studies, those who have motivated others, overcome the odds and contributed the most.”

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)