Student Awards 2008

Dame Tanni Grey Thompson DBE, arguably the UK’s greatest ever Paralympian, joined students, staff and guests to celebrate the outstanding successes of students at Deeside College on Thursday 3 July 2008. Students from all departments in the college were presented with awards by the 11 time Paralympic gold medallist, and also received prizes sponsored by businesses in recognition of their excellent performance during their courses. From high standards of academic achievement to achieving in very difficult circumstances, or returning to college for a change of direction, each student had their own individual success story to tell.

Dionne Murray collected the Public Services Student of the Year award. A busy BTEC National Diploma in Public Services student, Dionne was named Student of the Year not only for her commitment to her studies and excellent attitude, but for her contribution to the success of the college Netball team who were crowned North East Wales champions; her participation in extra curricular activities; and her voluntary work. Since arriving at Deeside College, Dionne has successfully undertaken her Duke of Edinburgh Award, studied A level Sociology during the evenings, regularly given up her weekends to volunteer for the St Johns Ambulance and has become a hospital ward volunteer at Glan Clwyd Hospital.

The title of Welsh Language Student of the Year was awarded to Alison Moorcroft. Originally from Wrexham, Alison later lived in the America and cites this as her reason for appreciating her Welsh roots and wanting to learn the language. A member of the Deeside College Welsh Learners club, Alison has rarely missed a club excursion. Attending story telling sessions, Welsh plays at Theatre Clwyd and the Welsh Learners Eisteddfod. Receiving the award topped of a great week for Alison as she was also awarded an A grade in her WJEC Use of Welsh Foundation Level qualification.

A new addition to the ceremony this year was the Sporting Achievement award which was presented to Denbighshire based swimmer James Davies. A committed, dedicated and determined BTEC National Diploma in Sports Studies student, he is also one of the UK’s top swimming prospects. Welsh junior record holder in the 100m and 200m butterfly events, James received the Sporting Achievement award thanks to an outstanding 2008 season swimming for Deeside College. In the Welsh heats of the British Colleges Sport Swimming competition held at the Welsh National Swimming Pool in Swansea, James was part of the college team that topped the medals table with an outstanding haul of 14 medals. He personally clinched two golds in the 50 and 100 metre butterfly events, and as a result went on to represent Deeside College and all Welsh colleges in the UK finals at Loughborough. At this event, James won gold in the 50m butterfly, silver in the 100m butterfly events and also competed in the relay. He was noted as one of the outstanding performers at this event and one to watch for the future.

As a thank you for supporting the event, Dame Tanni was presented with a framed photograph created by Art and Design Student of the Year, Wesley Diggory. The photograph, titled The Predator, is the striking image of a muscular man with a tiger print projected onto his back. Wesley said, “I was delighted that my picture was chosen to be presented to Dame Tanni-Grey Thompson. The tiger is the largest and most powerful of the big cats. The image symbolises strength, beauty and grace.”

Video

List of award winners

More

News & Events

• Principal's Charity Dinner raises £5,700 for the NSPCC
• Deeside College students raise record amount for charity

Videos

Three Peaks Challenge
Students and staff take part in the 3 Peaks Challenge.

Balloon Race
Raising over £800 for the college's chosen charity.

© Coleg Glannau Dyfrdwy

Ffordd Celstryn, Cei Conna

Glannau Dyfrdwy, Sir y Fflint CH5 4BR

Ffôn: 01244 831531 | E-bost: ymholiadau@deeside.ac.uk