MORE than 50 outstanding students were rewarded for their achievements during an annual awards ceremony.

The event at Seevic College, in Runnymede Chase, Thundersley, was designed to celebrate students who have shown exceptional commitment or overcame significant barriers to achieve their qualifications.

A new trophy – the Tom Moulton Award – was introduced for the first time this year after the tragic death of the former student at the age of just 29.

The Southend YMCA volunteer, who lived in Westcliff, refused to let the epilepsy he had suffered since childhood stop him helping others.

The award, which shines a light on youngsters who have contributed in the community, went to Jennifer Horton, 20, from Rochford.

As well as studying for the Personalised Pathways programme at Seevic College, she regularly serves lunch at the Royal Voluntary Service, in Hadleigh, works at the Carers Choice charity shop, and volunteers for the St John Ambulance Service.

Tom’s mum Leeann Moulton handed the award to Jennifer.

Reflecting on the past 12 months, principal Nick Spenceley said: “Events like this one are very special to me as they are a reminder that learning is not easy.

“Qualifications are not getting easier, and young people face lots of difficult challenges that previous generations did not have to deal with.

“Despite this, our students have worked extremely hard in the past year, achieving exceptional progress from their starting points. I offer warm congratulations to all our award winners, and wish them well in their future endeavours.”

Seevic College bucked the national trend last month, with A-level students achieving more A* to B grades than ever before.

The college also received a record-breaking number of applications from new students.

Its next open evening will take place between 6pm and 9pm on October 6.

Echo:

THIS year’s coveted Student of the Year accolade went to Thomas Vesey, 19, from Canvey.

The former Castle View School pupil showed determination and commitment to achieve an A grade in A-level maths.

He has since secured a job with accountancy firm Ernst and Young in London Bridge.

He said: “I was very surprised but also very happy when I was announced as Student of the Year. College has been great for me as I’ve been encouraged to work harder, and have also had more independence. My ambition is to become a fullyqualified chartered accountant.”

Echo:

FORMER Seevic student Zoe Burton, 20, returned to the college to honour the new wave of successful students following in her footsteps.

The former Grays Convent High School pupil, from Stanford-le-Hope, moved to Derbyshire to take up an apprenticeship at motor giant Rolls Royce after completing her A-levels last year.

She is being paid to study for a degree, while working full-time in different areas of the business, including aerospace and nuclear energy.

Zoe was invited back by principal Nick Spenceley to give an inspirational speech.

She said: “I was really thrilled to be invited back to Seevic, as I had such a great time as a student here. I was very nervous before going on stage to speak, but I enjoyed being able to share my experience with the audience.

“Hopefully my speech might have inspired some of this year’s winners.”