STUDENTS, colleagues and members of the wider Okehampton community packed into the college sports hall last Friday for a celebration of the achievements of former principal Chris Powell who died suddenly last month. Hundreds of guests attended to pay tribute to Mr Powell at the hour and a half long service. Among those who spoke about their memories of Mr Powell were former colleagues at John Kitto Community College in Plymouth, where he was a vice-principal. Tributes on behalf of the Okehampton community were paid by county Cllr Christine Marsh, who was also town mayor for much of Mr Powell?s time at the college. Tributes were also paid by former chair of governors John Stevens and acting principal Daryll Chapman, as well as by students Rebecca Quance-Woodland, Amy Chapman, Chris Searle and former student Katie Newstead. Tom, one of Mr Powell?s two sons also delivered his own tribute. Musical interludes were provided by the Okehampton College Big Band, student Lucy Sizmur and ex-Kitto pupil Sheree Pinhey. A montage of pictures and film from Mr Powell?s career was also shown during the service.
