THE OUTSTANDING achievements of Palmer’s College students were celebrated at its annual prestigious Prize Giving Ceremony, in which over 250 students were honoured with special awards on Friday 6 November 2009.
The generosity and commitment of the William Palmer College Educational Trust and local businesses ensured that students now at university received valuable awards.
Mark Vinall, Principal of Palmer’s College said, “The annual Prize Giving at Palmer’s College is a wonderful celebration of the outstanding achievements of our students and a recognition of the excellent support they receive from the Community, College staff, family, friends and of course the William Palmer College Educational Trust .”
The Principal’s Prize went to ex-Grays Convent School student, Melissa Eades. Melissa also won the Young Citizen of the Year Award at the Thurrock Civic Awards held at the Civic Hall on the same evening.
Amongst other businesses sponsoring prizes were Kennedy Rath Opticians, whose prize to a student who has accomplished an outstanding achievement, went to ex-Chafford, Rainham student Nicole Dawson. The Rowland Hall prize for the best student studying related subjects going on to university to study Accountancy and Economics at degree level, went to Ruvarashe Ngondo. Ruvarashe and Nicole also won the Silverwood Prize for excellent achievement at A-level.
The N2 Visual Communications prize for a student showing enthusiasm and excellence in the creative arts or field of communications, went to ex-St Clere’s School student Billie Whincop. Billie also won the Shaftesbury Prize for outstanding achievement at AS-level.
The YourThurrock Creative Writing Award went to ex St Clere’s School student Daniel Costen, who also won a Silverwood Prize for excellent achievement at A-level and the Hew Watt Prize to a boy who has made an outstanding contribution to the cultural and social life of the College.
The Thames Gateway South Essex Partnership Award for a student who has made the most contribution to their community, was won by ex-De La Salle student Holly Burton. Holly also won the Hew Watt Prize and the Branfill Russell prize for 100% attendance.
The Thurrock Business Association prize for excellence in Economics and Business Studies went to ex-Gaynes School student James Trew. The Palmers Solicitors prize for the best achievement at A-level by a student going on to university to study Law, went to ex-Grays School student Nicole Phillips. James and Nicole were both also awarded the Challis Prize and a William Palmer Bursary for outstanding achievement at A-level.
Trophy winners for 2009 included ex-Chafford Hundred Campus student Daniel Rosa, winner of the F G Lang Ltd Trophy for achievement in Technology and Manufacturing. Trophy winners also included ex-Chafford Hundred Campus student Arthur Findlay, winner of the Arthur Jones Cup for achievement in Music, and ex-Gable Hall students Georgina Stamenova and Charlotte Lane who were both awarded the Elsie French Cup for Sporting Excellence.
The June Sutcliffe Shield was awarded to ex-William Edwards student Laura Sach for a student who has studied shorthand, with an employable speed of 80wpm, has a positive attitude and ability and is considered to be most likely to succeed in the business world.
The Thurrock Gazette prizes went to ex-James Hornsby High School student Conor Bartrip and ex-Chalvedon School student Louisa Ball. Both students also received the Challis Prize and a William Palmer Bursary for outstanding achievement in A-level or BTEC.
The prizes were presented by Rev Darren Barlow, Rector of St Peter and St Paul’s Parish Church.
The guests were welcomed by a wonderful performance by the first year BTEC Performing Arts students. The evening ceremony ended with photos and an informal reception for all prize winners, proud parents, teachers and guests to enjoy.
