30th June 2022

South Devon College Student Awards – a celebration to remember 

South Devon College arrives at the end of another academic year, and for the first time in over two years, they have been able to celebrate with their students in their traditional way at the South Devon College Student Awards. And what a celebration it was. 

Students, parents, carers, and staff had an afternoon full of applause and glee, as staff shared students’ impressive achievements, resilience and attitudes to their studies throughout what has been a challenging couple of years. 

Principal and CEO of South Devon College, Laurence Frewin, welcomed students, parents, carers and staff to the ceremony which took place in Torquay at the Imperial Hotel. He said “I am proud to congratulate all the students who have been selected to receive a Student Award this year. These Awards are presented annually by South Devon College to recognise students who have performed exceptionally well during their time with us. 

“We recognise that the last few years have been challenging and want to share how proud we are of our students and their incredible hard work and resilience. We wish the best of luck to all our winners as they move on to their bright and successful futures.” 

Joining the students’ celebrations was Brendon Prince who came to inspire students as they close one chapter of their lives and move to the next.  

In April 2021, Brendon took on the ultimate endurance challenge – to circumnavigate mainland Britain on a stand-up paddle board. His ultimate goal is to raise awareness of unnecessary drownings and crowdfund the development of the world’s first water safety app. All in the name of charity and good fun, Brendon completed his journey just 141 days later having not only completed his journey, but also setting several world records in the process. 

Brendon captivated everyone talking about motivation, focusing on what the ‘why’ is in your journey. He used his experiences circumnavigating Britain as metaphors for other journeys. Meeting two whales as he turned the most northern point of the United Kingdom in Scotland was an “Orca moment”. It’s what inspires and motivates you to carry on and achieve your goal. 

Some of the students that were part of the celebrations were Chloe Huxter, 18, Ben Meacock, 31, and Pandora Munoz, 21. They each won awards in the categories Aspiration, Resilience and Inclusion, with other categories celebrating students’ Progress, Support, Wellbeing and Mental Health Support and Supporting the Community. 

Chair of governors at South Devon College, Jane Viner MBE, said in closing: “Thank you to everyone and their generosity in putting this event together. Thank you to the award winners, their families and those that have supported them along the way. Over the last couple of years to achieve what they have. It’s important to recognise everyone that cheers you along as well as those achieving great things.” 

Below is a list of award winners from each category: