Gethin Jones, Welsh television presenter, joined students, staff and guests to celebrate the outstanding successes of learners at Deeside College on Thursday 24th June 2010.

Students from all departments in the college were presented with awards and also received prizes sponsored by businesses in recognition of their excellent performance during their courses.
From high standards of academic achievement to succeeding in very difficult circumstances, or returning to college for a change of direction, each student had their own individual success story to tell.
The Winners
Clare Morris
Clare has regularly achieved high grades whilst undertaking her A Levels at Deeside College. She is always thinking about others and has developed excellent working relationships with her peers.
Sponsored by Flintshire County Council – Enterprise Centre
Alan Jones
Alan has progressed through a number of Art and Design courses and has developed a unique talent for photography. He is determined to pursue a career in this area and will begin to study for a degree this coming September.
Sponsored by Seawhite of Brighton
Robert Williams
A student with a positive outlook on life and friendly demeanour Robert has completed a suite of qualifications. He has grown in confidence immensely and hopes to progress to employment this September.
Sponsored by OCR Cymru
Sara Barrows
Highly enthusiastic and committed, Sara has returned to education after a break. She is self- motivated and has produced work of a high standard throughout her time at Deeside College. Next year she will read for a degree in Environmental Studies.
Sponsored by Witter Towbars
George Bithell
Despite suffering setbacks this year George is yet to miss a deadline or produce below par work. He has a good sense of humour and is a role model to fellow students. George has his sights set on a career in the Information Technology industry.
Sponsored by Advanced Moving Solutions
Natalie Haime
Natalie’s effort, commitment and attitude have been outstanding whilst studying at Deeside College. She has secured distinctions in almost all of her units and is also well on her way to achieving the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award.
Sponsored by The Army
Gemma Pemberton
Gemma is a student who epitomises going the extra mile. She well exceeded the hours required to achieve the Millennium Volunteers Award of Excellence and is always willing to help others. A popular course member, she will next year start a teaching degree at Liverpool John Moores University.
Sponsored by Lifestyle Fitness
Michael Southern
Michael has had to work harder than most to achieve his qualifications. He has travelled a long way since arriving at Deeside College and is a shining example of perseverance and commitment. After leaving, Mike hopes to put his skills to use working on cruise ships.
Sponsored by Goldwell
Ailie Greer
Hard working, cheerful and positive are just some of the words used by tutors to describe Ailie. Having been apprehensive at the start of the course she has developed her social skills and confidence. Tutors on the mainstream Catering course are looking forward to welcoming her in September.
Sponsored by Rotary Club of Deeside
Gareth Stevenson
Gareth was bound for a career in Engineering but took the brave decision to re-train. He hasn’t looked back. Thanks to securing work experience at high quality restaurants and taking part in a number of competitions, Gareth has a bright future in the industry.
Sponsored by Chester Racecourse
Sophie Edwards
Sophie is a hard working student who is popular with her classmates and tutors. A young mother Sophie, has managed her many commitments well and produces work of distinction standard. Next September Sophie will progress to higher education at Chester University.
Sponsored by Wockhardt Ltd
Belinda Cain
Belinda is a well liked Access student. She supports and helps her fellow classmates and is determined to progress her learning. Thanks to her attitude and work ethic, the group as a whole have improved. Belinda is University bound and will read for a degree in Sociology this September.
Sponsored by Agored Cymru
Mark Blakemore
Four years ago Mark took the brave step to address the problems he had with numeracy and literacy. Initially a quiet class member who rarely got involved in activities, his confidence levels have soared. He is now an advocate of adult learning and encourages others to improve their Maths and English.
Sponsored by John Dale Limited
Demi Griffiths
Demi is an unassuming student who was amazed to hear she’d won this award. A deserved winner, she has enjoyed a number of hugely successful placements with local nurseries. Her self belief has grown and she is well on her way to a career working with children.
Sponsored by Little Stars Day Nursery
Nathan Meech
A focussed, highly motivated and committed learner, Nathan is determined to forge a career as an Occupational Therapist. Organising work experience with two local health boards, he has developed useful contacts for the future. Nathan never gives less than his best and motivates others in the class.
Sponsored by Barchester Health Care
Ian Jones
A regional response worker with charity organisation Scope, Ian has used the skills he’s learnt on his apprenticeship to benefit hundreds of people. He receives this award for his determined attitude and exceptional customer service. His tutors agree he is an inspiration to all who meet him.
Sponsored by Beaufort Park Hotel
Ryan Hodson
Ryan has taken full advantage of the opportunities presented to him on the Skill Build course. After being very apprehensive at the start of the course he has come a long way and enjoyed an extended placement with the College’s Estates and Facilities team.
Sponsored by Peerless Gas Control
Danielle Owen
Danielle is a student who is passionate about animals. So much so that she left her home to pursue her course in Animal Care. As well as being helpful and supportive to others in the group, she is thirsty for knowledge and has consistently achieved distinctions.
Sponsored by Caerwys Veterinary Surgery
Ann Cheers
By exploring opportunities outside of her studies Ann has developed into a promising Florist. She is enthusiastic and dedicated to her craft. Following a successful work experience placement she received praise from one of the UK’s top florists.
Sponsored by SL Parry Accountancy Services
Michael Evans
An ambitious budding Electrician, Michael has completed all his work to an exceptional level. He has displayed leadership qualities on the course and hopes to secure an apprenticeship with a local firm in the near future.
Sponsored by The Hand and Power Tool Centre
Edryd Davies
A Edryd is constantly thriving to improve the standard of his already exceptional Carpentry and Joinery work. He has a flair for the subject and ultimately wants to progress to complete an advanced craft qualification.
Sponsored by Huws Gray
Robert Beswick
First year Airbus in the UK apprentice, Robert leads the way in producing practical and theoretical work of an exceptional standard. He is always willing to assist others in his group and has represented his employer on a number of projects.
Sponsored by Airbus in the UK
George Benson
Originally an A Level student, George decided to re-consider his future career and began the Performing Engineering Operations course. He quickly showed he had talent and potential. After creating an outstanding portfolio, George is now hoping to secure an apprenticeship.
Sponsored by Merseyside Metal
David Martin
David is a Foundation Fabrication and Welding apprentice with local firm DRB. He was the resounding choice for this award based on his work, attitude and constant quest for perfection. His tutors look forward to welcoming him back next September as an Advanced Modern Apprentice.
Sponsored by Proweld
Joe Griffiths
Joe is a pleasant, polite and cheerful Motor Vehicle apprentice with a bright future ahead of him. However, this wasn’t always the case. He turned over a new leaf and started a fresh. After this change Joe displayed real engineering talent and produced outstanding work. He also encouraged and helped those around him.
Sponsored by Snap-on
Scott Garwell
Scott is not only Deeside College’s Welsh Baccalaureate Student of the Year, he was also awarded the all Wales title last year. He is a student who has grasped opportunities whilst at Deeside College, taking part in educational trips, research projects as well as being a College Governor and Student President.
Sponsored by WJEC
Jack Sargeant
Jack is a Connah's Quay High School student who has attended Deeside College as part of the Welsh Assembly Government and SEMTA’s 14-19 Workbased Learning Pathways initiative. He tackles problems positively, logically and methodically. Jack has a promising career in the Engineering industry ahead of him.
Sponsored by Flintshire 14-19 Learning Network
Natalie Griffiths
Since coming to Deeside College Natalie has really developed. She has represented the College at a meeting with Assembly Members and has travelled to Cardiff on a number of occasions. This coming September Natalie will enrol on the mainstream Floristry course - a remarkable achievement.
Sponsored by John Dale Limited
Sheila Williams
Sheila is a mature student who decided to learn Welsh as she was ashamed not to be able to speak the language. She is full of energy and brings the best out of other class members. Sheila is putting her new skills to use by helping her grandchildren with their Welsh homework.
Sponsored by Welsh for Adults – North Wales Centre
Jasmin Dutton
Scholarship student Jasmin has a promising footballing career ahead of her. She is a key member of the Welsh squad and has been influential in the success of the College’s female team. Despite training most nights during the week her coursework is to a high standard and to deadline.
Sponsored by Queensferry Sports
