EKC Ashford College’s Student Awards 2025 have recognised this year’s exemplary students from across the College.
After a brilliant academic year, EKC Ashford College’s annual Student Awards have returned to celebrate student achievement, reward those who made significant growth, and to thank staff who have made a real difference.
This year’s event was held on Thursday 26 June at the College campus, with a stylish afterparty held at local club, Cameo.
Students and staff were able to take part in the fun atmosphere and celebrate in style.
One of the standout winners this year was Haleh Valizadeh, winner of the Access to HE award, recognised for her ability to overcome many obstacles during her studies, her hard work to master the English language and her determination overall.
Reflecting on her experience earlier in the year, Haleh said: “I was considering studying midwifery at uni and it had been five years since I last studied. I feel the course is really supportive and it’s been the perfect stepping stone to my future.”
Keira Gardiner, the winner for Art and Design, was thrilled to receive her award, which was given to her for her progression and exploration of creativity in the College.
After working at a distinction level continuously for the last three years, she is now going to Central Saint Martins (University of the Arts London), to study a degree in Fine Art.
Lacey Head, named the Pathway Award winner for Hair and Media Makeup, was rewarded thanks to her growth in confidence and newfound resilience. She has now mastered essential skills and has become ready for work with unique experiences both on a film set and a stage show.
Deputy Head of Professional and Service Industries, Zoe Kersley, said: “Lacey has been a brilliant student. When she started College was quite anxious and didn’t have lots of confidence and there’s been such a big change over the past year.
“She goes for any opportunity that she can, whether it be work experience or competitions and that’s why I nominated her for this award. She’s even taken part in skills competitions and considering she’s only done the course for one year she’s done brilliantly in those.
“She wholeheartedly deserved to win.”
Tadiwanashe Machabvunga, the winner for Plumbing, was honoured for his positivity, determination and for bringing a can-do attitude to everything he does.
He represented the College at this year’s KFE4Skills awards, where he won a silver medal, beating students from across the East Kent Colleges Group, MidKent College and North Kent College.
As a result of his success this year, he’s now progressing to a Level 3 course in September.
SU Student of the Year went to Brendan Maher, for his work at key College events. He was celebrated for his volunteering efforts, professionalism and social skills. He has also taken on many opportunities this year, including Student Ambassador and Class Rep.
He said: “I’m proud to win – I’m beyond words. I didn’t expect this. Everyone in the Students’ Union has worked really hard and I’d like to say thank you to Andrew (SU President for 2024/25) for nominating me.
“As soon as I stood up to collect my award everyone was cheering for me which was a nice feeling.”
Last but not least in this year’s student categories, was the coveted Principal’s Award. This year, this outstanding honour was won by one student who has pushed the boundaries and showcased what being an EKC Ashford College student is all about.
Elizabeth Shorter, was also praised for her growth in herself and for achieving fantastic grades this academic year. This year, she has had excellent attendance and punctuality and has come out of her shell to contribute lots to College life, including in her role as class rep this year.
Reflecting on the hard work of the past 12 months, she said: “When I started College, I wasn’t interested in learning as I’d not had great experiences before. This year I’ve really settled in and focused, so I’m really happy that all my hard work has paid off and I’ve won the biggest award tonight.”
The ceremony also marked the last student event for current Students’ Union President, Andrew Stiffell, as he passes on the role to Ster Bahram.
As the new Students’ Union President for the 2025/26 academic year, Ster aims to enhance the College’s long-standing work on inclusivity.
Speaking about the awards, Megan Waller, Student Experience Officer, said: “Student Awards are one of the best parts of the year. They shine a light on our students and their incredible achievements that may sometimes go under the radar across the wider College.
“It’s a chance to celebrate success, give well-earned recognition, and inspire others to aim high and be their best.”
Lucy Clark, Deputy Principal of EKC Ashford College, was overjoyed with the success of this year’s learners, saying: “The student awards are one of our most important annual events and we have had some wonderful academic successes over the year.
“We are also recognising those learners who turn up every day with a good attitude, those who have overcome adversity and who always take time to build up and support their peers.
“These skills are so valuable in the workplace and in life and it’s really important that we celebrate them.”
Award Categories and Winners:
Pathway Champions:
Access to HE: Haleh Valizdeh
Additional Learning Support / Inclusive Learning: Josh Smart
Art and Design: Keira Gardiner
Beauty: Shelby Smith
Business and Accounting: Su Ozcelik
Early Years: Emma Makolli
Electrical: Ruby Hrehorow
Employability (BSE): Campbell Harrison
Employability (CDI): Logan Henham
Employability (PSI): Zagroz Akram
Engineering: Oscar Newman
ESOL (Adult): Ester Kociaj
ESOL (16-18): Obayda Al Amarin
Hair and Media Makeup: Lacey Head
Hairdressing: Zadie Harris
Health and Social: LillI Hazeldine
IT (Computing): Seye Mobolaji-Sanni
Media: Adrian McKenzie
Music: Vaughan Elliot
Photography: Lucy Griggs
Plumbing: Tadiwanashe Machabvunga
Special Awards:
Achievement of the Year: Diana Vashchenko
Students’ Union Student of the Year: Brendan Maher
Attendance Champion: Damola Akinyele
Social Action Champions: Jessica Burroughs and Layla Buckley-Jones
Principal’s Champions: Elizabeth Shorter
This year’s EKC Ashford College Student Awards have been fantastic and are a great way to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our students.
We are proud of the hard work and dedication that all this year’s students have achieved and look forward to seeing them continue to excel.
Learn more about life at EKC Ashford College today.
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