There were lots of reasons to celebrate at the Student Awards 2022.
For the first time since the global pandemic, the College was able to hold an in-person awards ceremony to celebrate the success and achievements of its students and staff.
And where better to hold the event than the city’s newest venue – Swansea Arena.
Firm favourite Kev Johns MBE returned to the stage to host the evening, which saw students picking up awards from across the College including full time A Level and vocational courses, part time courses, apprenticeships, higher education, access, and employability support programmes.
“Gower College Swansea has always enjoyed one of the highest quality profiles of any education institution, not just in Wales but across the UK” says Principal Mark Jones.
“This event has always had a very special place in the College calendar. And now, following on from a particularly challenging past two years, it feels extra special and I am absolutely delighted we could celebrate together and in person.
“The evening seeks to celebrate student achievements as well as recognising everyone who has played a role in their success – lecturers, support staff, family and friends. I would like to offer my personal congratulations and my thanks to these learners for being the role models that others – following on – will both learn and benefit from.”
The evening’s guest speaker was the Children’s Commissioner for Wales Rocio Cifuentes MBE. A former student of the College, Rocio studied Social and Political Science at Cambridge University before completing a Masters at Swansea University. Prior to her current appointment, Rocio was Chief Executive of EYST Wales and has also served as Wales Committee Member of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC).
The event was a practical showcase for student talent too, with entertainment being provided by Theatrical Special Effects, Hair and Media Make-Up students – who treated guests to a special Creatures of the Forest showcase – and a performance from FSHTANK, comprised of vocational music students from the Llwyn y Bryn Campus.
Another former student – Ify Iwobi – performed the opening musical piece. Ify is an award winning Welsh/Nigerian contemporary pianist, songwriter, composer and producer who has performed all over the world.
The good work of the College’s charity, the Kenya Project, was also highlighted during the night, with Student Union President Maria Pollard and former student Nina Prells taking to the stage to introduce the assembled guests to the fantastic fund raising efforts of College staff and students, who have supported Madungu Primary School in Western Kenya since 2003.
Full list of winners and sponsors 2022