THE achievements and successes of all completing students have been celebrated at Duchy College during the 30th annual prize giving ceremony.

Sharon Dudden, chair of Duchy College council of governors, opened the ceremony, and a report was given on the activities of the college over the last year by Andrew Counsell, principal.

The guest of honour was George Eustice MP, minister of state at DEFRA, who presented the certificates, prizes and special awards. During this time, Mr Eustice spoke about the importance of education and went on to say that the students should face the future with confidence now that the nation has decided to leave the EU.

The Duke of Cornwall award went to Holly Blake, 18, from Boscastle, who studies Animal Management Level 3 Extended Diploma. She was described by senior learning advisor Mike Carnall as ‘a brilliant asset to the department and the college, and is held in high esteem by both staff and her peers’.

Holly said: “I was so surprised to have won this award, I couldn’t believe it. I would highly recommend Duchy College; the staff have been awesome, they give 100% and go above and beyond what is expected.

“The help and support I have received at college has encouraged me to continue with my studies, and I am going to Cornwall College Newquay next year to study BSc (Hons) Applied Zoology and Conservation.”

The award for Best Overall Full Time Student in the children, schools and families department was won by Christopher Prouse, 18, from Holsworthy, who said: “It’s been a great day today and I was so surprised to win this award. The best things about my course have been the supportive staff and amount of work placement we get to do.

“Next year I am coming back to do the HNC in Children and Young Peoples Workforce.”

The award for Top Student on the Level 3 in Sport was won by Gemma Wickett, 18, from Launceston. She said: “I am really proud to have won this award; I have really enjoyed my course, especially the amount of practical we do, and the coaching opportunities it has given me. Next year, I am going to university to study Sports Coaching.”

Following the presentations, students and their guests were invited to enjoy an array of cakes, organised by the catering team, and were given the chance to chat to staff about the student successes from the year, as well as many final year students bidding a fond farewell to classmates and staff.

Andrew Counsell, principal of Duchy College said: “The past few weeks have been enormously rewarding, with the Duchy College open day and Summer Food Festival attracting nearly 5,000 visitors, over 600 students attending the end of year Summer Ball, and a celebration of the immense success of the students in this year’s Prize Giving ceremony.

“Prize Day is a fantastic celebration of the students’ hard work, and a way for parents, carers and friends to join in the success of the students. We wish them every success in their future careers and are delighted to have helped them on their way.”