Students who have overcome difficult personal circumstances and barriers but still managed to excel in their education were celebrated at an awards ceremony.
Newham Sixth Form College (NewVIc) celebrated the success of a cross section of more than 100 of its students. Award winners included those who have shown incredible commitment to their studies, excelling in extra-curricular activities, as well as overcoming barriers and difficult personal circumstances.
Students, parents, staff and sponsors gathered at the Plaistow college to recognise the students’ success and hard work.
Adiba Ahmed, 19, managed to score a B in her diploma in childcare and education despite losing both of her parents to cancer this year.
She also led her college’s fundraising efforts for Great Ormond Street Hospital, where her two-year-old niece was being treated for leukaemia.
Adiba said: “As I’m dyslexic, NewVIc gave me extra support with my English GCSEs where I got a C. It was also really good of the college to help fundraise for Great Ormond Street Hospital and let students know that even children can be affected by cancer.”
Temitayo Akinrinlade, 18, known as Tayo, was presented with the coach of the year award by David Cosforth, director of sport at the University of East London.
Tayo spent his first year at the college exceeding all expectations and stepping above and beyond the requirements of the college’s Sports Leadership Academy. He completed 100 hours of sports coaching and volunteering in local schools, and received a Jack Petchey Award for voluntary football coaching in his local community.
Tayo said: “It’s really exciting to have been given this award. I feel that the Sports Academy have done such a good job. All the staff are excellent and approachable. The work we do in the community is great, as we learn such valuable skills including communication and teamwork.”
He will be finishing his FA level 2 coaching qualification this year, while continuing his A-levels in politics, chemistry and business studies.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here