Awards shine a light on outstanding student success

Six Year 12 Ron Dearing UTC students who have excelled this year have had their achievements recognised at a special awards ceremony.

The Ron Dearing UTC Partner Awards took place at the school on July 20th and were supported by Founding Partners KCOM, Reckitt, Siemens Gamesa, Smith+Nephew and Spencer Group, as well as the University of Hull, the school’s leading education partner.

Awards were presented for a range of successes, from Outstanding Academic Achievement and Best Communicator to Inspirational Leadership, Outstanding Contribution to the Community, and more.

Nominations and decisions for each award were made by staff and Employer Partners, and representatives from the sponsoring companies attended the ceremony alongside the students’ parents and members of the UTC’s Senior Leadership Team to celebrate their success.

Ron Dearing UTC Principal Sarah Pashley said: “We’re so proud of the students and all they have achieved.

“Whilst we weren’t able to run our annual awards in their full capacity this year, due to Covid-19, it was fantastic to bring our Founding Partners, students and parents together for this special occasion.

“It has been a challenging time and our students have truly excelled on so many levels under difficult circumstances. They are all fully deserving of these awards and have incredibly bright futures ahead of them.”

Ron Dearing UTC Principal Sarah Pashley with the six winning students.

 

Catherine Crees, 17, was presented with the Spencer Group Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Community by Yvonne Moir, Ron Dearing UTC governor and the company’s Head of HR.

Catherine’s achievements include becoming the Junior Chairman of Skirlaugh Young Farmers, which requires leadership and organisational skills, and achieving a Level 2 NVQ Medicines Counter Assistant course to expand her knowledge and take on more responsibility in her work at a local pharmacy.

The judges said: “Catherine has proved herself an extremely valuable member of the Ron Dearing UTC community this year. She has seized every opportunity available to her to get involved in collaborative projects both in and out of school.

“Above all, Catherine is a people person who makes a fantastic contribution to the school and the local and global community.”

Catherine, who is studying Engineering, Maths and Physics, said: “I’m really pleased, proud and shocked to win this award. Ron Dearing UTC gives us some of the best opportunities people our age can have and it’s lovely to have a celebration like this.”

Kelham Hillier, 17, won the Siemens Gamesa Quality Excellence Award, recognising his “exceptional passion and enthusiasm for learning”.

The judges said: “Kelham consistently demonstrates dedication, resilience and an attention to detail in every task he undertakes. His ideas are always clearly presented and his responses to questions are mature, structured and logical. His drive for perfection makes him the perfect recipient of this award.”

Kelham, who is studying Physics, Maths, Further Maths and Engineering, was presented with his award by Laura Botham, HR Partner at Siemens Gamesa.

Kelham said: “I’ve worked hard this year and it’s really nice to receive this award. Events like this encourage you to try even harder.”

The full list of winners are:

  • The University of Hull Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement: Jasveer Jabbal
  • KCOM Award for Best Communicator: Linas Domarkas
  • Reckitt Award for Inspirational Leadership: Oliver Peers
  • Siemens Gamesa Quality Excellence Award: Kelham Hillier
  • Smith+Nephew Award for Innovation: Sam Osborne
  • Spencer Group Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Community: Catherine Crees