Doctor goes the distance to inspire Warrington students

A FORMER student at Warrington’s Priestley College travelled more than 9,000 miles to be guest speaker at the college’s awards evening.
Dr Alice Williamson, who is researching a cure for malaria in Australia, flew home to Warrington to visit her family and friends as well as speak at the presentation evening held at St Elphin’s Church.
Principal Matthew Grant said: “We had made arrangements for Alice to speak via a video link if she couldn’t make it.”
But Dr Williamson made it and during her speech described her time at Priestley studying Engliash Literature, Chemistry and Physics.
The former St Gregory’s RC High School pupil –  recently named one of Australia’s Top 5 scientists Under 40 – also explained how she went on to work for the Open Source Malaria Project. But her key message was about fostering a sense of community in times of great change.
She said: “I wish you all the very best of luck and urge you to seek out new communities in which you will thrive and to create communities – be they families, friendships, voluntary organisations or businesses – that will help others to succeed as well.”
Listening in the congregation was the Deputy Mayor and Mayoress of Warrington, Cllr and Mrs Les Morgan,  governors and tutors
alongside students’ family and friends.
The cohort secured a 99 per cent A-Level pass rate and nearly 600 A*, A and B grades between them. In BTEC extended diplomas there was a 100 per cent pass rate and over 400 Distinctions and Distinction *s were awarded.
As well as their results, Mr Grant praised their achievements outside theclassroom and for representing Priestley and Warrington well on a national and international stage.
He also paid tribute to their spirit in coping with adversity after the college mourned the loss of former students Tomas Lowe, Jack Dakin, Kris Leonard, River Reeves, Patric Wilson and Ryan O’Hara during theyear.
“I will never forget the scenes as so many of us stood outside the crematorium at Patric’s funeral or here at Priestley when River’s funeral cortege came on to campus and hundreds of you stood in the cold and rain to pay your respects,” he said.
The cohort also raised hundreds of pounds for charities over their two years and have now gone on to paid and voluntary work as well as university.
During his address, Mr Grant praised Priestley’s chairman of Governors Reg Haslam who continued to serve the college despite a difficult year, but saved his biggest tribute for the students.
“It must make everyone here tonight proud to see how you as young men and women have grown over the last couple of years to be ready to take your place in the wider world,” he said.