USP College recognised the achievement of six outstanding students at the Autumn Term Jack Petchey Achievement Awards ceremony.
The ceremony took place simultaneously at the College’s Seevic Campus and Palmer’s Campus via the Immersive Classrooms.
Each of the winners was given a £250 grant, allowing them to donate the money back to the College to support an area of their choice. They were also all presented with a certificate by the Jack Petchey Foundation for ‘going above and beyond to achieve’.
Student Engagement Officer, Sarah Maguire, nominated September’s Seevic Campus winner BTEC Level 2 Engineering student Jack Phelan for his “outstanding commitment to extracurricular activities at the College.”
Jack said, “I felt excited to win. I have decided to donate my prize money to Learning Plus because from the very first day of College they have supported me through my journey, giving me the guidance I need to succeed. The money is going to be spent on sensory equipment to support those who need it, for example buying fidget toys, which I know myself, has eased some anxieties when in lessons making my college days easier and there are many others that will also benefit from this.”
A friend nominated A-Level student, Imogen Spires. Her friend said, “Imogen has helped and guided me throughout my years at this College and helped me become a more confident person. She always tries her hardest regardless of the result and generally brightens everyone’s day. I believe she is an inspiration for many. Imogen is sympathetic in every respect as she does a commendable job of putting others before herself.”
“Hardworking and committed” A-Level student, Marcus Powell, won the Seevic Campus October award. Maths Teacher, Ioannis Markopoulos, said that Marcus “dedicates his free time to attending additional classes and helping other students”.
Supported Internship Student, Joe Didham, who won the October prize at our Palmer’s Campus, is working at two placements and teaching piano to other students. Head of Supported Employment, Julie Clark, who nominated Joe said, “He is a valued member of his group and a joy to teach and have on the course”. She was pleased to note that Joe “has really grown in confidence” since starting the Supported Internship course and was praised for “supporting his peers”.
Health and Social Care BTEC Level 2 student, Daisy Eaton was nominated for the prize for “working so hard even though her health issues have had such a massive impact on her”. Head of Estates and Facilities, Murray Higgs, said, “She is a friendly and helpful member of the College community and is always there for others even though she has her own struggles”.
A-Level student, Paisleigh Wright, split her prize between the Maths and Learning Plus departments and was praised for her “hard work and dedication” to completing her studies and helping others achieve their goal in Maths classes.
USP College is a proud member of the Jack Petchey Achievement Award scheme, which was set up by successful local businessman Sir Jack Petchey to inspire young people from across East London and Essex to achieve their full potential. Each month one student from each of the College’s campuses is put forward for the award.