Teenager receives principal's award from Weymouth College

Academic achievements and personal triumphs were celebrated at Weymouth College's annual Student Awards.

Top award winner was Ben Brown, 17, who was described by his tutor as an "inspirational, dedicated student who goes above and beyond to reach his goals".

About two and a half years ago Ben's health deteriorated. He was diagnosed with functional neurological disorder (FND) which is an issue with how the brain receives and sends information to the rest of the body.

He has seizures and also suffers from Tourette’s syndrome.

Former All Saints School student Ben has tried to attend college when he can despite his health battle. He was praised for the commitment, dedication and enthusiasm shown to his studies.

He received the Principal’s Award, selected by Principal and CEO Julia Howe, and he also took home the Routes Into and Re-Engagement Provision Student of the Year award.

Ben is currently studying the College’s Step Forward into Education Level 2 course with aspiration to moving onto a Public Services course with the ambition of joining the police.

Ben’s mum Lisa expressed how ‘immensely proud’ she was of her son, adding that ‘he was really chuffed’ himself.

Lisa said: “After missing the last two and a half years and being unwell, he has persevered and been amazing.

“We were in hospital one morning after Ben had a massive seizure. We left at 5.30am and by 9am he was in college.”

She added: “It’s been a real struggle, but he is determined to get on with it. We were a complete mess when he won the award – it was a total surprise.

“It’s all starting to come together and it’s a bit of a silver lining. It has been a huge battle and for him to keep going is just amazing.”

Lisa and Ben want to raise awareness about FND because not a lot is known about the condition and the pair are still learning how to manage it.

Ben’s tutor Ashleigh Lewis said: “He is an amazing person, and after all he has been through, deserves to receive this award.”

Mayor Jon Orrell and a student at Weymouth College awards ceremony (Image: Weymouth College)

The awards ceremony saw winners come together with their family, friends and teachers to celebrate.

The event was also attended by the Mayor of Weymouth Jon Orrell, Amandra Davies, Corporate Director for Education and Learning at Dorset Council, and Steve Webb, chair of the college Board of Governors.

Guests enjoyed a three-course meal, prepared by the Catering & Hospitality students who work in the college’s Avenue Restaurant.

Many other students also took home awards on the night and a full list can be seen below:

• A-Level & Applied Science Student of the Year – Josh Buckland
• Apprentice of the Year for Construction & Building Services – Dylan Holmes
• Bay Studios Student of the Year – Phoebe Nantes
• Construction & Building Services Student of the Year – Aaliyah Newall
• 14-16 Student of the Year – Tyler Jackson
• Apprentice of the Year for Business Services – Jade Munden
• Jade Munden receiving award (Image: Weymouth College)
• Adult Student of the Year – Larysa Chernikova
• Creative & Digital Industries Student of the Year – Joey McGrath
• Apprentice of the Year for Engineering & Automotive – Isaac Rich
• Business Management Student of the Year – Megan Chan
• Engineering & Automotive Student of the Year – Caprice Lock-White
• English & Maths Student of the Year – Reuben Keeble
• Computing & IT Student of the Year – Louis Stuart
• Visual Arts Student of the Year – Esme Greenham
• Catering & Hospitality, Travel & Tourism Student of the Year – Abigail Stantiford
• Hair Student of the Year – Poppy Culbreth
• Apprentice of the Year for Services & Support Industries – Honey Lewis
• Beauty Student of the Year – Neyve Wilson
• Sport & Protective Services Student of the Year – Minna Telford
• Minna Telford receiving award (Image: Weymouth College)
• Higher Education Student of the Year – Fin Jarvis
• Fin Jarvis receining his award (Image: Weymouth College)
• Routes Into & Re-Engagement Provision Student of the Year – Ben Brown
• Foundation Studies Student of the Year – Will Dashwood
• Health & Social Care and Early Year Student of the Year – Cally O’Neill

For a full list of images check out our interactive gallery at the top of the page.