John Ruskin College Students Shine at Awards Evening
19th January 2008
Chief Executive of the London Borough of Croydon, Jon Rouse, was special guest at the John Ruskin College Awards evening on Wednesday 7th January at Croydon’s Fairfield Halls. 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 and football. Students were also rewarded for excellent attendance, for the 'best learners' over the academic year, for work experience and for contribution to the student council.
The presentation of awards was punctuated by spine-tingling performances from the newly formed Gospel Choir who sang ’something inside so strong' by Labi Siffre and ‘Let It Rise' by William Murphy. Other powerful vocal performances were given by Tosin Oluwafemi singing ‘Listen' by Beyonce and Bukola Abisola who sang ‘Superwoman' by Alicia Keys. Adding variety to the genre of song choice was classically trained Marina Ivanova who sung the moving latin hymn 'Panis Angelicus' by Cesar Franck and flautist, Rachael McPherson played a beautiful piece, 'If you go in, you're sure to win' by Arthur Sullivan.
The college’s youth dance company also took to the floor performing two pieces: one entitled 'Teardrops' performed to Leona Lewis' latest single 'Run' and a punchy montage called the 'Michael Jackson medley'.
To conclude the evening, Jon Rouse addressed the audience remarking on the amazing talent within the college. He had some words of advice for the students; ‘Don't be defined by the career you choose but by who you want to be'. He also emphasised the importance of the role the college has in developing post-16 provision in Croydon and that the borough is committed to working in partnership with the college. Jennifer Sims, college principal endorsed this message adding that 'we believe that by working together with the local authority, we can strengthen the opportunities available to young people in Croydon.' The audience were treated to a final surprise from Tosin and Bukola who sang the latest hit 'Hallelujah' , a fitting end to an uplifting evening.