THE 2016 cohort from Holsworthy Community College attended Bodmin Street Chapel on Thursday, November 17, with family members, to receive their GCSE certificates.

In the tradition of the college the guest speaker and presenter was an ex-pupil — this year the honour fell to Aimi Clark.

The chair of governors, Mr Rose, welcomed everyone to the evening and there were musical performances by the Year 11 GCSE musicians to start the evening and half way through the presentation of certificates.

After presenting the certificates with Mr Rose, Aimi gave a talk on her life since leaving Holsworthy Community College accompanied by some photos of key events. Aimi is now a section editor for various publications, such as the ‘Horse and Hound’.

Local dignitaries, such as the town mayor, Jon Hutchings, attended to present awards, as well as teaching staff, who spoke briefly about each award winner.

Jack Westlake deservedly won the Honora Broad attendance shield for 100% attendance over each of his five years at HCC. Alex Cole was also a deserved recipient of the Malcolm Woodward Progress prize for making the most progress from end of primary to end of secondary school, he was also awarded the Technology Award. Albert Shepherd and Hannah Presswell won the awards for best academic achievement.

County Councillor, Barry Parsons, presented the Spirit of Devon Award to TJ Acres and this year’s presidents of the Rotarians and Lions presented Community Service awards to Albert Shepherd and Elliot Pomeroy respectively.

Also receiving awards were: Jean Pitt award (English), Hannah Presswell; maths award, Jack Heal; science award, Callum Jennings; Bumby Family award (DT and science), Daniel Heard; history award, Callum Jennings; geography award, Kayleigh Whybrow; MFL award, Abigail Cottier; computing award, Olivia Byers; PE award, Emily Shepherd; Sue Smith music award, Jessica Martyn; art award, Holly Northam; RE award, Karen Cawsey; Anne Betts award (Health and Social Care), Tia Larson.

Additional prizes included the ‘Principal’s Prize’, with the winner being Albert Shepherd and runner up going to Hannah Presswell.

The ‘Holsworthy Rotary Club Service Above Self Award’ went to Albert Shepherd and the ‘Holsworthy Lions Club Award for Outstanding Work in the Community’ was presented to Elliot Pomeroy.

Headteacher David Fitzsimmons said: “It was a wonderful celebration of the achievements of the young people present. The cohort achieved HCC’s second best ever results of 64% 5+ A*-C including English and Maths.

“Who knows which young person may be the next to follow in Aimi Clark’s footsteps returning to present certificates and describe their journey through life.”