STUDENTS from South Somerset won awards and celebrated their outstanding achievements at Strode College.

Rami Salehi, Paulina Sowa, and Alfie Galpin all won awards for their achievements last year, 2020-2021.

Rami, from Martock, studied Engineering L3 Extended Diploma and was nominated Engineering and Technology Student of the Year.

Rami was an excellent student throughout his time on the Extended Diploma in Engineering and his work was always done to a high standard.

An extremely polite young man, Rami was well respected by his fellow peers and students alike.

He achieved the highest grade obtainable on the course as well as achieving an excellent grade in his English GCSE, further confirming his dedication to his studies.

Paulina Sowa, from Yeovil, won the Hospitality, Travel, and Tourism Student of the Year Award.

She studied Hospitality, Travel & Tourism L3 Diploma.

From the start Paulina was a committed, conscientious and hardworking student completing all tasks to the best of her ability with a motivated, self-managed approach.

She was enthusiastic, yet meticulous in her approach to self-driven learning and research, always providing detailed examples within class and assignments.

During her time studying at Strode Paulina secured part-time employment with a nationally recognised hotel chain increasing her experience and exposure to industry.

Paulina achieved D*D* in both her BTEC Diplomas in Hospitality and Travel & Tourism. Paulina has progressed to UWE studying International Business.

Alfie Galpin, from Yeovil, won the Music and Performing Arts Student of the Year Award.

Alfie is a standout performer, writing and producing songs to an astounding standard. He completed his 14-track debut whilst in college and has had airplay on ‘BBC Introducing’ and interviews with Simon Parkin from ‘BBC Somerset’.

His new album will be ready to be downloaded from Spotify and other digital channels in May. He has represented the college in our community as a performer countless times.

Alfie is someone to keep an eye on, he is a fantastic musician with a bright future.

Strode College is celebrating the outstanding achievements of last year's 20-21 students through its annual awards held in April 2022.

Students who completed their courses last year were nominated by their teachers for awards in one of 22 categories, based on outstanding performance in their course and exceptional personal qualities.

Most of those who received awards had completed A Levels and vocational qualifications last year, but there were also awards for Higher Education Student of the Year, Adult Student of the Year, Apprentice of the Year, and the Rachael House Award for Skills for Life, and Success Against the Odds.

Katy Quinn principal and CEO said: “We were so delighted to be able to host our awards evening in person once again.

“Strode Theatre is the perfect setting for this celebratory event which recognises the success and achievement of our students.

"Massive congratulations to all of our Finalists, Highly Commended and Award Winners, who have achieved beyond expectations. They are all winners in our eyes and should be incredibly proud of their achievements.”

In recognition of their achievements, all winners and highly commended students received an engraved glass plaque.

Finalists receive a signed certificate from the college.