Posted: 30/06/2021
Doncaster College hosted a week of virtual celebrations for this year’s Further Education Awards. The week showcased the hard work of the students and was an opportunity for staff, students, friends, and family to recognise how well the College’s students have done this past year, despite the difficulties everyone has faced due to Covid-19.
While the awards were unable to run as the usual in-person event, the College took its award ceremony to social media to share their students’ achievements with the world. The week consisted of Doncaster College’s Directors and Staff announcing winners in a series of anticipated videos, and saw many congratulatory comments for those deserving students. Amongst the award announcements and glowing student reviews, Doncaster College’s social media saw a star-studded line up of celebrities giving their best wishes and words of advice for students.
The College showed local pride with its celebrity guests as all had links to Doncaster, some even being previous Doncaster College students who have gone on to great things. The line-up included Doncaster-born professional footballer Danny Rose, who is a defender for the England team. As well as taekwondo athlete, Olympic medallist, and world champion Sarah Stevenson MBE; who was also born in Doncaster. Two local authors joined the mix; bestselling author and journalist, Doncaster’s Lindsey Kelk, and highly acclaimed author Nik Perring, who does lots of great work in the local area. Alongside these was Executive Head Chef and regional judge on the BBC’s Great British Menu, Lisa Goodwin-Allen. She was able to celebrate Doncaster College success as ex-student, Bailey Claverly, works with Lisa at the Michelin starred Northcote.
There was representation from local celebrities too, with Doncaster Rovers’ James Coppinger and Doncaster Knights’ Tyson Lewis sharing their congratulations for the College’s students nominated for FE awards.
The week finished with international star and Doncaster College Alumni Tan France, who is best known for his role on the Netflix show ‘Queer Eye’. Now based over in the United States, Tan has a successful career not only as a television personality but also as a fashion designer and an author. Tan, who was born in Doncaster, studied Fashion Illustration at Doncaster College and commented on his time studying at the College, saying “I had the most wonderful time there, I learned so much, and actually Doncaster College is the reason that I am where I am today”.
Although the students were unable to celebrate with a traditional ceremony, Doncaster College still ensured that students had the best celebrations possible, as they delivered trophies, certificates, and boxes of goodies to the winners’ doors. While, on social media, the positivity came flooding in with many comments of support and congratulations.
With over 200 total nominations for the student and staff awards, there was no shortage of amazing achievements to celebrate. Well done to all the students who were nominated for an FE award.