STAFF, students, parents, carers and dignitaries of Holsworthy Community College gathered for the school’s annual ‘GCSE Presentation Evening’ on Thursday, November 23.

The awards ceremony was held in Holsworthy Methodist Church and celebrated the achievements of last year’s Year 11 students. This year the guest of honour was Dr Michael Forster, who was a student at the college from 1994 to 1999.

Mrs Sam Williams, head of school, said: “As ever, there were many conversations amongst staff about who should receive the recognition!

“My thanks goes to Dr Michael Forster, son of our long standing teacher and leader Geoff Forster, who gave our keynote speech as guest of honour. It is always a delight to welcome members of our community to share their experiences during this evening.”

Other dignitaries in attendance were; Devon County Councillor Barry Parsons, mayor of Holsworthy Jon Hutchings, deputy mayor Colin Punter, Peter Bumby, Roger Young, president of the Rotary Club, Clifford Vickery, Holsworthy Lions, Peter Brown and former principal of Holsworthy Community College Mr Dave Fitzsimmons.

Mrs Williams said: “I am very grateful to Mrs Abbott and Mrs Brimacombe for their support and time leading up to the presentation evening. A great deal of preparation takes place. Also, thank you to Mrs Kiff, Mrs Bottrell and Mr Lau for all their help.

“My biggest thanks go to parents of our past and present students. Your time, effort and support is always very much appreciated. Together, we are all stronger, as we strive to do the best job that we can, to inspire our young people to aim high and work as hard as they can to reach their potential.”

The award winners are as follows: ‘Anne Betts’ Award’ for health and social care — Mia Johns; Art award — Grace Ross; ‘Bumby Family Award’ for DT and science — Heidi Horn; Computing award — Linus Carey; ‘David Fitzsimmons Co-operative Values Awards’ — Millie Moores and Kieran Fraser; Geography award — Lucy Poole; History award — Kayleigh Tyler; Holsworthy Lions award for service to the community — Zak Loader; ‘Honora Broad Prize’ for attendance — Charlotte Prime; ‘Jean Pitt Award’ for English — Shannon Sutton-Watson; Maths award — Berin Howard; MFL — Mae Hughes; PE award — Kieran Langman; Principal’s prize — Charlotte Prime; Principal’s prize runner-up — Linus Carey; RE after school — Joseph Meredith; Rotary award for service above self — Olti Arriku; Science award — Hattie Oliver; ‘Spirit of Devon Award’ — William Bromell; ‘Sue Smith Music Award’ — Shannon Richards; Technology award — Stuart Martin; ‘Woodward Progress Prize’ — Holly Martin.

Mrs Williams added: “Congratulations to all of our ex-students and we hope that their post-16 journey is going according to plan.”