Siblings scoop awards at Suffolk New College ceremony

Why it matters: The ceremony recognised outstanding achievement across the college's Ipswich and Suffolk Rural campuses, with every award sponsored by a local or national company.

The details: Trevor Ronoh, 17, and his sister Precious, 19, both originally from Kenya, came to study on a foundation course at the college last year. The Ipswich-based siblings were among the biggest winners on the night.

"I was surprised to win. I'm now going onto a motor vehicle course. We are very happy to share this moment. We have felt a lot of love from the college and the UK," said Trevor.

Precious, who plans to go on to study health and social care with the ambition of becoming a dentist, added: "I was very honoured. We are very grateful to all of the teachers and the college itself. All the hard work has paid off. The college is a place for opportunities that gives us encouragement both inside and outside of college life."

Their mother, Raelgachanja Ronoh, said: "I'm very proud of my son and my daughter."

Also on the night: Dana Godbold, 36, from Ipswich, won science learner of the year after returning to education for the first time in nearly 20 years. She has now passed an access course and will begin university in September — the first in her family to do so.

"I was petrified thinking that I was going to be the oldest person there, but I feel as it went on, I really enjoyed it, and I'm sad it has finished. My time here has been amazing – I'd advise anyone to do it – take the jump – as it's so worth it. Long term I want to work with gangs and youth sub-culture and make a real difference. You can't change everything – but making a change for even one person is important," she said.

What they're saying: Principal and CEO Alan Pease said: "This event is an opportunity to come together as a college community to celebrate the achievements, talents, and successes of our learners. The year has given me a real sense of pride as we reflect on the outstanding accomplishments of our students. Their dedication, perseverance, and commitment to their studies have been truly remarkable."

Mark Murphy — CEO of Cancer Support Suffolk, host of TV show Life's a Pitch, and a former student of the college himself — said it was "an honour to oversee this heartwarming celebration."

For context: A separate awards event is held for learners at the college's On The Coast campuses in Halesworth and Leiston. Food was provided by students on courses at the Suffolk Centre for Culinary Arts, and performing arts learners sang numbers from their recent production of Heathers The Musical.

One of the event's long-standing sponsors, Anne and David Baalham, have backed an award in memory of their son Mark — a former student — for 40 years.

The bottom line: From a Kenyan brother and sister finding their feet in the UK, to a mature student heading to university for the first time in her family, this year's Suffolk New College awards highlighted the breadth of life-changing achievements taking place on its campuses.

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