Pride, passion and perseverance were on full display as Wiltshire College & University Centre (WCUC) honoured outstanding student achievements at its annual Student Awards Ceremony, held at the Civic Centre on Thursday, 26th June.
Around 120 guests gathered for an evening which celebrated 21 exceptional students from a wide range of subject areas, including Creative Arts, Media, Construction, Engineering, Sport, ESOL, and Animal Care.
Special guest Stephanie Millward MBE, local Paralympic champion and multiple medal winner, presented the awards and brought her gold medal and Paralympic torch to inspire students and guests alike.
“It’s been incredible to meet the winners and hear their stories,” said Stephanie.
“I hope they believe in themselves and go on to become the stars they want to be.”
The ceremony reflected not only academic success, but the personal growth, resilience and creativity shown by students throughout the year.
WCUC Principal and Chief Executive Iain Hatt opened the event, describing it as a milestone moment.
“You could feel the pride in the room – from the students, their families, and everyone who’s been part of their journey,” he said. “It’s a chance to reflect on what they’ve achieved and take that next step with confidence.”
Among the evening’s winners was 17-year-old Eliza Brindle, from Frome, named Creative Arts Student of the Year. “I didn’t realise how big this event was – it’s awesome,” Eliza said. “I love making art, and it’s been really amazing studying here. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else with my time.”
Charlie Farmer, 16, from Melksham, took home Media & Games Student of the Year, thanking his lecturers for giving him “the space to be creative.”
Ella Gould, 18, from Chippenham, was recognised as Engineering Student of the Year and is now set to begin an apprenticeship with her college placement employer.
Calan Gilmour, 17, from Lackham campus, was named Sport & Leisure Student of the Year. Calan, who has a hearing impairment, shared how college helped him thrive: “I love sport, and I get to study it, play it and teach it. College has made that possible.”
The event also featured live music performed by a student band, a beautifully decorated venue with lights and balloons, and British Sign Language interpretation to ensure the ceremony was inclusive and accessible to all.
WCUC offers a wide range of full-time post-16 courses, alongside apprenticeships, part-time adult courses, and Higher Education programmes, making it one of the leading providers of education and skills training in the region.
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