Awards for student role models

STUDENTS who have offered advice and support to others at Warrington’s Priestley College have been rewarded for their efforts.
Nine members of the college’s Graduate Enrichment Programme – designed to support applications for Russell Group universities – received certificates and vouchers to mark their achievements.
Senior tutor Mark Salmon presented the prizes to the graduates who have advised fellow students on writing personal statements, university life and preparing for interviews.
He told them: “All of you have been role models for the first year students and the support you have offered them and the college has been really excellent.
“We hope you will remain in contact with us and that we can visit you at university.”
Priestley College’s graduate programme is designed to raise students’ aspirations as well as help develop independent learning skills that are highly valued by employers and universities.
Among this year’s successes was 18-year-old Jamie Farrington, from Latchford, who is going on to study Ancient and Modern History at the University of Manchester.
The former Sir Thomas Boteler pupil wrote a blog for the college website offering advice on what to expect from university.
Rebecca Rowlands, 17, and from Penketh, was rewarded for winning a great debate after successfully arguing why suffragette Emily Pankhurst should be saved, if there was a chance to save only one person from history.
Also honoured during was Sophie Fleming from Warrington. The 18-year-old was a constant support to other students during her time at Priestley.
“I wanted to get people involved and make sure they were happy at College and excited about university if that is what they wanted to do,” said Sophie.
All the graduates are going to study at universities including Manchester, Warwick, Leeds and the London School of Economics.
Mike Wrench, 18, from Latchford, helped other students with personal statements and preparing for university. He is now heading to Warwick University to study Classical Archaeology and Ancient History.
“It felt like the right thing to do and was very rewarding,” he said.
Former Penketh High School pupil Joe Brown’s blog also offered advice on best practice in interviews. Joe has been offered a place at Oxford University studying law.
Runcorn’s Conor Bennett, 18, offered support to countless students during his time as president of the College Council. He wanted to be involved in the council because it had supported him during his first year at Priestley.
Jenny George, 18 and a former Bridgewater High School pupil, was rewarded for offering advice on graduate presentations and interviews.
“I always loved Priestley and wanted others to have as good an experience as I did,” she said.