Duchy College Rosewarne celebrated the achievements and success of all completing students in the 21st annual Prize Day Ceremony which was held at Wesley Chapel recently. Certificates were given to all students completing their courses this summer with special awards going to those who have shown an outstanding dedication to their studies and the College.

Guest speaker James Strawbridge, chef and sustainable living expert, gave an inspirational speech about his own experiences with success and failure, and the importance of always striving to go further and do more.

James went on to describe his own career, which spans television, books, running a smallholding, and creating his own range of ‘Posh Pasties’, all spanning from his degree in Environmental History at York University. Before presenting the awards he encouraged students to enjoy their accomplishments, tread their own paths, and make the most of every opportunity in their post-College lives.

The Lawrence Piper Trophy for Overall Top Student went to Animal Management student Claire Broughton, who also won the Top Student on her course, and the Award for Overall Achievement within the Animal Management Department. Claire showed extraordinary dedication to her course, even writing a whole assignment on her mobile phone when her computer broke.

She explained: “I didn’t even realise they were talking about me until my friend nudged me – it was a big surprise! I feel really proud to have won these awards and it’s only just hit me that I won’t be coming back to College in September. Instead, I’m looking forward to starting my degree in Zoological Conservation, at Cornwall College Newquay, but I’ll enjoy my summer break first!”

The Steve Parson’s Award for Greatest Personal Achievement went to Alan Mackenburgh, for his achievements since deciding to turn his life around and return to education. Alan had a troubled time as a teenager and could easily have gone down a dark path, but instead he enrolled on the Countryside and Wildlife Management course and is now looking forward to continuing to university. “I’m very shocked but really pleased to win this award and have my hard work recognised," he said. "I’ve got one more year of the extended diploma and then I’d like to go on to the Foundation Degree in Conservation and Countryside Management. Everyone at Rosewarne is really great and I especially like doing green woodworking.”

The annual Institute of Horticulture Prize, including membership, went to Emma Dunne. Emma, 30, was inspired to study horticulture after spending time volunteering at Enys Gardens, near Penryn, and started at Duchy College in September. "It was a shock to be awarded the prize," she said. “I was only expecting a free sandwich! All of the tutors at Rosewarne are amazing so it’s great that they think I’m worthy of an award. I’m definitely going to be coming back next year, either to carry on with horticulture or to study conservation.”

Other award winners included William Gill, who won the Top Apprentice in Agricultural Engineering, sponsored by the British Agricultural and Garden Machinery Association (BAGMA). He was presented with his award plus £200 of vouchers to spend at Draper Tools by Johnathan Stephens, of Truro Tractors.

In agriculture, The Cathbedron Shield for the Overall Most Improved Student went to Rebecca Evans-Marshall; Work Experience Employability Student of the Year in Animal Management was awarded to Brendan Tesdale; and the top HND Garden and Landscape Design student was named as Toni Twentyman.

Andrew Counsell, Head of Duchy College, said: “We take great pride in celebrating all of our students’ achievements, it’s been a wonderful afternoon and I’d like to wish all those who have finished their studies with Duchy College good luck for the future.”

Duchy College Rosewarne offers full and part-time courses in Agriculture, Animal Management & Veterinary Nursing, Conservation, Countryside & the Environment, Floristry, Horticulture, Land-based Engineering & Plant Operations and Skills for Life.

For more information about the courses available at Duchy College please call 0845 60 50 455 or go to www.duchy.ac.uk.