John Ruskin College Awards Evening
4th January 2007
All the hard work paid off for the students of John Ruskin College when their efforts were recognised at the Annual Awards Evening held on 4th January at the Fairfield Halls. Peter Taylor, manager of Crystal Palace Football Club, presented the awards to students who had been chosen as having achieved success on their courses. His presence was fitting as from September, John Ruskin College will be the first South London College to become a football academy in association with Protec Limited.
Awards were not only given for academic subjects but also for excelling in the sporting field such as the John Ruskin College Basketball team who remained unrivalled all season, and several athletes who had competed at the Surrey National Schools championships. Recognition was also given for excellent attendance, for the 'best learners' over the academic year and for work experience.
The evening was punctuated by talented students giving brilliant vocal performances backed by an excellent keyboard and drum duo. The A level dance group also took to the floor to showcase their work. The 400-strong audience gave the entertainers an uplifting reception.
The finale to the evening was the presentation of the Princess Diana Memorial Award which went to two students, Xavier Tinto and Alpha Barrie, who had made an exceptional contribution to the college. Similarly, the Andrew Burke Award created in memory of a former student was presented to the previous year’s Chairperson of Student Council Gary Ovenden. Peter Taylor addressed the students with an encouraging speech acknowledging their achievements.