OKEHAMPTON College has had a year to remember, recording its best ever examination results and celebrating a host of success stories at the recent major awards evening. The event on Monday, December 20, was attended by students, college staff and proud parents. The importance of supportive parents and their key role in the success of students was the major theme of the evening. In a year of examination results success, the Rotary Prize for Academic Excellence at GCSE went to Cally Wawman, Danika Rafferty and Caroline Taylor. The Rotary Prize for A-level Excellence went to Angelique de Lafontaine, Mark Williams and Daniel Piddington. Subject prizes went to Lyndsay Whitworth, Eloise Evans, Alicia Evans and Jenny Rice in Art; Angelique de Lafontaine, Robbie Forrester-Wilson, Susie Povey and Stevie Barker for Drama; Jenny Rice and Alice Barkell for Biology; Carissa Rafferty, Andrew Lewis and Louise Graham for Geography; Catherine Pratt for Communications; Rhys Morgan for Media Studies; Miki Burdus for Mathematics, and Mark Stephens won the AS History Prize. Technology is a central part of the college curriculum and this year Olivia Courtney, Matthew Wonnacott and Stewart Down were awarded the Rotary Prize for Young Technologist of the Year. Steven Hill won the Russ Thomas Prize for Technology while Rotary Award winner Mark Williams also took the A-level Prize for Technology. Sporting awards were given to Robert Clarke for Sporting Contribution. Amy Stephens, Kimberley Bland and Georgina Colton won the Anita Fraquet Prize for Netball. The major sporting award was given to Richard Bolt in recognition of his England ?A? cap and impressive performances for the College rugby team. The college was also pleased to acknowledge the community role of Loren Griffin who was awarded the Police Prize for Endeavour. Simon Brooking received the Brenda Savage Prize in recognition of his consistent hard work over the years. Jade Wilkins had her remarkable GCSE results recognised in winning the William Hunter Award. One of the stars of the night was Lucy Sizmur who had her excellent leadership during the 2004 Ten Tors Expedition recognised by receiving the Major Ryan Award. The audience was entertained by Eve Van der Steen, Music Prize winner, with a flute recital. The evening drew to a close with two special community awards ? Sarah Oxenham for Community Achievement and former town mayor, Cllr Christine Marsh for Community Contribution. Cllr Marsh was presented with a shield and flowers by principal Chris Powell who praised her contribution to the town and the college. In conclusion, Mr Powell used his prize to draw attention to the huge role parents play in the success of students. This prize was given to Richard Bolt, Laura and Sarah Gomersall and Katie Newstead.
