Craven College Celebrates Graduates’ Achievements
On 13 September our Higher Education graduates joined with their family, friends, and honoured guests to celebrate their achievements at the 2024 College Graduation Ceremony held in Skipton.
The class of 2024 was recognised for their hard work and determination throughout their courses at the beautiful locations of Skipton Town Hall and Holy Trinity Church.
This year’s ceremony saw more than 50 Higher Education students graduating in Accounting, Animal & Equine, Aviation, Performing Arts, Education & Training, Therapeutic Counselling, and Young Children’s Learning & Development.
Honoured guests and family members joined students for a drinks reception at the Town Hall before the event. Rt Hon Sir Julian Smith KCB CBE Member of Parliament for Skipton and Ripon said, “It is fantastic to see so many talented Graduates from Craven College here this evening. Craven College provides an incredible opportunity for learning and skills development in the area.
“I wish everyone all the best for their first steps on the career ladder, following their success today.”
Anita Lall, Principal and CEO of Craven College addressed this year’s graduates, “You have much to look forward to as you start the next phase of your journey. I hope that our vision of being exceptional in everything that we do and unlocking potential and changing lives is something that you will carry forward into this new chapter.
“Through your time at Craven College, you have already shown great resilience, you have supported each other and been supported, you have overcome adversity and not given up even when life felt hard. Today is the result of that hard work and perseverance. Be proud of what you have achieved because we are all tremendously proud of you.”
The guest speaker at this year’s ceremony was original Calendar Girl, Miss February, Angela Baker.
Angela’s life took an unexpected turn when in 1998 her husband John was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, being ill for five months before passing away. Her friends from the Rylstone and District Womens’ Institute rallied around with support, compassion, and an unusual suggestion, that their yearly calendar showed off the skills of the WI in the nude, tasteful of course and raise some money for Blood Cancer UK!
What transpired was a truly incredible journey involving meeting royalty, a blockbuster movie, a stage show, a musical and – most importantly of all – raising an incredibly £6 million and counting for Blood Cancer UK, the charity of which Angela is now proudly Vice President. A collection at the ceremony raised over £140 which will be donated to Blood Cancer UK, further donations can be made at www.bloodcancer.org.uk.
Angela spoke at the event, “Express your gratitude to those who have played a role in your success. Thank people who have guided and believed in you and have supported you through the good and the challenging times.
“When faced with uncertainty or fear, taking that leap of faith can lead to unexpected and wonderful outcomes. Embrace the unknown, set your goals, stay persistent, resilient, and celebrate progress.
Today we acknowledge your hard work and achievements during your time at Craven College, I would like to congratulate you all.”
As well as receiving their degrees and awards validated by The University of Hull, Pearson, NCFE, ABC, and AAT, a number of students were rewarded with special awards, provided by Skipton Mechanics Institute, for academic excellence, exceptional determination, working towards a high standard and displaying professional skills required for employment. These students were: –
Award for Academic Excellence –for high achieving students – Freya Nicholson
The Principal’s Prize – For students studying in exceptional circumstances – Ruby Trueman and Georgia Dodd
The Dissertation Prize – For completing an outstanding Dissertation that demonstrates innovation and an interesting approach – Adam Payne, Emily Gamble, Ruby Trueman, and Melanie Brown
Jet2 Award for Employability Skills – For an Aviation student who is most likely to succeed in the industry – Sam Olliver
Craven College HE Award for Performing Arts – For students who are the most likely to succeed in industry – Annabelle Horsfall
Craven College HE Award for Land-based Industries – For students who are the most likely to succeed in industry – Eleanor Crabtree
Craven College HE Award for Caring Professions and Education & Training – For students who are the most likely to succeed in industry – Jo Bastow
Alix Coughlan Award for Caring Professions – for a high achieving student on the Young Children’s Learning and Development Degree and commemorates Alix a much-loved tutor – Alexandra Harness
Craven College HE Award for Apprenticeships – For students most likely to succeed in industry – Drew Burrell
Sam Olliver, BSc Air Transport Management, and winner of the Jet2 Award for Employability Skills said, “The Aviation Academy at Craven College is really relevant to the industry. The course was varied, and the tutors were really good, which has set me up for a career in air traffic control.”
