After a brilliant academic year, EKC Sheppey College’s annual Student Awards have returned to celebrate student achievement, reward those who made significant growth, and thank staff who have made a real difference.
This year’s event was held on Wednesday 25 June at IslandWorks in the restored Sheerness Dockyard Church, which was transformed with golden balloon arches. Each winner on the evening received a decorative trophy, made by Cactus Graphics.
Students and staff were able to take part in the fun atmosphere and celebrate in style.
One of the standout winners this year was Lola Mustafa, the Early Years Pathway Champion, recognised for her exceptional ability to engage with children in her work placement, in addition to a significant boost in her confidence.
Katie Chambers, Early Years Lecturer, said about her success: “When Lola started, she was incredibly shy and anxious. After getting into her work placement and learning more of the practical side of things, she really grew her confidence and her skills were boosted. Since she’s discovered what she’s capable of, she’s smashed it and has been excellent this year in helping others when they get stuck in class. She’s an amazing role model.”
Alekzander Taroni, the winner for Uniform Public Services, was thrilled to receive his award, which was given to him for becoming a role model in the College. He said of his award: “It’s been really nice to win this and is a good feeling. I’ve done lots of different bits in the year, and I’m now looking at joining either the Police, the Fire Service or the Prison Service, but my options are open.”
Another winner for Uniform Public Services (UPS) was Archie Gransden, who was named the Career Progression champion. Over the past year, he has been actively engaging with the mentor team at Elmley Prison, to achieve goal of working in the prison service, which has now led to an interview.
Fay Morgan, Programme Director of UPS, said of the pair: “I’m really pleased about the awards they’ve won tonight as they’ve really deserved it.
“The group overall this year have been excellent and are a smashing bunch of young people. Every single one of them really has gone above and beyond at College and in work experience. I’ll miss them next year.”
Rio Law, the Pathway Champion for Level 1 Professional Services, was honoured for his positivity, determination and for bringing a can-do attitude to everything he does.
Upon winning the award, he said: “I feel very emotional about winning. I wasn’t so keen on school but coming to College has been a great experience and it’s been so much better. I’ve loved all of it.”
Joining Rio on the night was his proud family, and Lecturer Tania Rea, who has supported him throughout College. She said of his success: “He’s been an utter pleasure all year, he’s led by example and we’re really looking forward to seeing him progress next year.”
Last but not least in this year’s student categories was the coveted Principal’s Award. This year, this outstanding honour was won not by one, but two students who have pushed the boundaries and showcased what being an EKC Sheppey College student is all about.
Rhashaun Makwakwa won for his never-ending enthusiasm around College, and his excellence in his Carpentry course. James Barrett won for his perseverance with his studies and his success on the Turing-funded trip to Lisbon earlier in the year. He was credited by Principal, Alexandra, for his hardwork during his Creative Media course which has now led to his place at the University of the Arts London in September.
The ceremony also saw the announcement of Georgina Ash as the new Students’ Union President for the 2025/26 academic year. Georgina, an Early Years student, aims to enhance the student voice during her time in the role.
As part of her role she will also work with the Local College Board over the next year to ensure student needs are met and oversee College operations.
She was also the runner up of this year’s Early Years award, praised for her growth in confidence.
To end the night, Student Experience Officer, Pasha Jacques, and Student Progression Mentor, Amelia Miles, were thanked with flowers for their hard work in setting up this year’s event.
Speaking about the awards, Pasha said: “The end of year awards are always a really rewarding part of my job, as we celebrate our learners and how far they have come.
“It’s also a chance for all staff to come together and reward our progressing students, as well as those staying on. It’s great to recognise our students for not only all the hard work they have done but the progress they have made despite personal barriers and challenges outside of College.
“Being the Student Experience Officer, I find this a real full circle moment to see how their experience at College has shaped who they are and what they will go on to be when they progress.”
Alexandra Syrotiuk, Principal of EKC Sheppey College, was overjoyed with the success of this year’s learners, saying: “The Student Awards are important to recognise the achievements that are often unseen, as there can be things that go on behind the scenes that present barriers for students.
“For some of them it’s a real achievement just getting to College, so we want to demonstrate that we really appreciate all of their hard work.
“The Pathway Champions for each course were chosen to recognise really good progress and achievement in each area. The Community Social Action winners and Principal’s Champions tonight encompass the real ethos of the College, and I’m very proud of everyone’s success.”
Award Categories and Winners:
Pathway Champions:
Early Years: Lola Mustafa
Business: Shannon Harkins
Uniform Public Services: Alekzander Taroni
Hair: Naomi Wilkinson
Brick: Louie Grove
Multi-trades: Robert Marfleet
Carpentry: Jayden Smith
Digital: Wesley Pearson
Creative Media (Level 2): Daizy-Mai Cormack
Creative Media (Level 3): Craig Larkin
Professional Services (Level 1): Rio Law
Maths: Chloe Shelley
English: Joshua Fox
Special Awards:
Community Social Action Champion: Sophie Wells
Career Progression Student of the Year: Archie Gransden
Students’ Union Student of the Year: Jack Buckfield
Principal’s Champions: Rhashaun Makwakwa and James Barrett
As a special shout out, we’d like to thank IslandWorks for acting as our event venue and caterers for the evening.
This year’s EKC Sheppey 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 Sheppey College today.
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