Beverley Trotman puts the 'X-factor' into College Awards Evening
9th January 2008
X-factor finalist, Beverley Trotman, was special guest at the John Ruskin College Awards evening on Wednesday 9th January. This event is held every year to celebrate the achievements of the students including both curricular awards and awards for excelling in extra-curricular activities such as basketball, dance, netball and football.
Recognition was also given for excellent attendance, for the 'best learners' over the academic year, for work experience and for contribution to the student council. Achievements outside college were also praised, in particular two students, Emma Pelling and Joy Gilbert, who had directed and choreographed a show to raise money for charity as part of the Millennium Volunteers programme.
With the audience brimming with excitement, the event began with a series of short clips showing adverts created by the A level media students, followed by a musical introduction by talented keyboard and drum duo, Michael Owusu and Adewale Gisanrin.
In between students receiving their awards from Beverley, the 400-strong audience was treated to poems by Nadia Brobbey and Luke Roberts as well as powerful vocal performances from Gloria Nweze and Stacey Karkari. The college’s youth dance company also took to the floor to showcase their work.
To conclude the evening, Beverley Trotman began her inspirational address as she had done in her X-factor audition, by filling the auditorium with her powerful voice, leaving the audience spellbound. She then shared how she had "stepped out of her box" and overcome her fears to enter the X-factor. Her overall message to the students was for them to believe in themselves and to pursue their dreams regardless of what other people may say. This was appropriately followed by a rich and uplifting performance of 'Feeling Good' and 'I'm Every Woman' which had people up and dancing in the aisles. Jennifer Sims, principal of the college said "We're so thrilled Beverley could come and make this such a special occasion for our students. She is amazing and an inspiration for us all."