After a brilliant academic year, EKC Ashford College’s annual Student Awards have returned to celebrate student achievement, reward those who have made significant growth, and thank staff who have made a real difference.
This year’s event was held on Thursday 25 June at the College campus, with an 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 Charles Makoni, winner of the Health and Social Care pathway award.
This award was sponsored by health company Everon, with Pete Kerly (Vice President Everon Group, Global Sales and Marketing), presenting the award.
Charles was recognised for his leadership in the College’s ‘Dementia Friends’ project where he delivered valuable and engaging training to staff around the condition. He was also praised for his always supportive and hardworking attitude, which will help him with his future aspirations of being a doctor.
Reflecting on his College experience as he collected the award, he said: “It’s been a great year honestly. I ran for Students’ Union President in the elections, I’ve passed all my exams and now this. It’s a great feeling.”
Daisy Goodes, the winner for Art and Design, was thrilled to receive her award, which was given to her for her progression, exploration of creativity and her commitment to community projects in the College.
After working at a distinction level continuously throughout her course, she is now going to the prestigious Chelsea School of Art.
Joshua Champion, the winner for Plumbing, was honoured for showing excellent commitment and engagement throughout the course and being a positive influence within his classes.
As a result, he has become a ‘Student Skills Practitioner’ at the College, helping others develop their skills in the workshop setting.
For Joshua, one of the biggest benefits of his course was the opportunity to continue improving his knowledge in all aspects.
He said of his experience: “I enjoy just practising my skills, any sort of development is always positive, so I just try and take those positives out of it.
“I’d like to particularly thank everyone in the Plumbing team, they’ve done so much for people like me and without them, this would be unachievable.”
The Students’ Union Student of the Year Award went to Joshua Begede, for his outstanding dedication to Media, the College community, and the development of a growing freelance photography career.
This year, he has also volunteered their time to take professional headshots for fellow students, supporting them as they prepare for their futures. He was recognised as always being the first to step forward, with his creativity, professionalism and positive attitude making a lasting impact across the College.
He said upon collecting his award: “Thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way. I’d particularly like to thank my parents, especially my dad as he got me into Media in the first place.
“I’d also like to thank Student Experience Officer, Megan, for giving me so many opportunities and for always supporting me.”
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, Principal of EKC Ashford College, was overjoyed with the success of this year’s learners.
Introducing the award ceremony, she said: “The Student Awards are one of our most important annual events and we have had some wonderful academic successes over the year.
“It’s also a great opportunity to recognise those learners who have achieved in other ways, from learning new skills, to continuing to be positive role models across the College.”
Award Categories and Winners:
Pathway Champions:
| Access Pathway Champion | Diwash Rai |
| Art and Design Pathway Champion | Daisy Goodes |
| Beauty Pathway Champion | Ellie Vandepeer |
| Business and Accounting Pathway Champion | Keiran Branch |
| Early Years Pathway Champion | Eloise Drew |
| Electrical Pathway Champion | Ruby Hrehorow |
| Employability (BSE) Pathway Champion | Connor Hirvela |
| Employability (CDI) Pathway Champion | Khalifa Umar |
| Employability (PSI) Pathway Champion | Tanchhohang Limbu |
| Engineering Pathway Champion | Luca Perucho |
| English Pathway Champion | Mollie Piner |
| ESOL Pathway Champion | Issam Abdalrhman Yahia |
| Hairdressing Pathway Champion | Jessica Kenny |
| Health and Social Care Pathway Champion | Charles Makoni |
| IT and Digital Pathway Champion | Seye Mobolaji-Sanni |
| Maths Pathway Champion | Connor Hirvela |
| Media Pathway Champion | Ollie Adams |
| Music Pathway Champion | Charley Frampton |
| Photography Pathway Champion | Jack Arnold |
| Plumbing Pathway Champion | Joshua Champion |
| Special Awards: | |
| Principal’s Champion | Seye Mobolaji-Sanni |
| Achievement of the Year | Ashton Parkinson |
| Student Union Student of the Year | Joshua Begede |
| Attendance Champion | Katie Skynner |
| Social Action Champion | Sam Limbu |
A big thank you as well to all our sponsors and representatives:
- Health and Social Care — Everon Group, represented by Pete Kerly (Vice President, Global Sales & Marketing)
- IT and Digital — Everon Group, represented by Richard Hosier (Head of Product Development)
- Employability (PSI) — TaxAssist Accountants (Ashford), represented by Jonathan Cook (Owner)
- Electrical — CEF
- Early Years — East Stour Primary School
- Photography — McArthurGlen Designer Outlet (Ashford)
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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