Tuesday 12 January 2010
Olympics rowing gold medallist Greg Searle presented 57 prizes and certificates to students at Farnham College’s annual Celebration of Achievement evening.
Presenting the prizes, Greg, who was a gold medallist in the coxed pairs at the Barcelona Olympic Games, said that his first real inspiration came aged 12 when studying at Hampton School. His history teacher Martin Cross came in to school with a gold medal he had won in the coxed four with Steve Redgrave, Richard Budget and Andy Holmes at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games. He advised the students to enjoy what they do and to keep stretching themselves to reach their next milestone, and then set new goals. He said his own next target was to make the 2012 games GB team, even though he will be 40.
Welcoming the audience and paying tribute to staff and students, Farnham College Principal Clive Cooke said that every occasion to celebrate the achievement of students was one to be treasured. “This year our student numbers at Farnham College are higher than they have ever been. It seems that everyone wants some of the success that our students from academic year 2008-09 are enjoying.”
Awards went to 27 students. Emily Cabrol, who achieved three A grades at AS Level, was the evening’s biggest winner. She received the Cyril Trust Award for exceptional achievement and the Roy Robins Award for outstanding achievement in French, Spanish and Psychology.
Awards and Bursaries were presented to Hayley Court for enthusiasm and achievement and Harriet Ellis for her great passion in Art. Lisa Carter, Martin Cory, Josh Hancock, David Horner and Teige Matthews-Plamer all received bursaries to assist with either purchasing specialist software or equipment to support their next step into a career or University. Elizabeth Dawes received a bursary towards gap year funding for her work in an orphanage in Swaziland. A bursary also went to Anna Friedler for an Archaeology Summer Training Excavation organised by the University of London. Owen Davies received a bursary for support and progression as a qualified FA referee and Villanelle Dalgarno-Gould gained a bursary to attend a printmaking workshop.
The John Goddard Award was presented to Joshua Caren to help him with his expedition to Tanzania and to Emily Stevens to assist with her synchronised swimming.
Student Service Prizes and Scholarship Awards were presented to Tegan Creedy, Natasha David, Thomas Dawes, Abby Foreman, Georgia Goode, Roisin Jenkins, Florence Reynolds, Molly Tuppen and Laura Wheeler.
Year 1 Performing Arts students provided the music and the audience was addressed by Daisy Brown, Chair of Student Council followed by a vote of thanks from Michael Paddock, Governor.
In the closing remarks, Mike Paddock Vice Chair of Corporation - the College’s governing body - thanked The Old Farnhamanians’ Association 400 Trust for their continued support in sponsoring the awards and contributing to the ceremony.
