A SULLY college came together to celebrate the end of the year at an awards ceremony.

Staff and students from Beechwood College and their families celebrated the end of the year with awards and entertainment at the evnet on Friday, August 4.

Each student at the college received an award congratulating them on personal achievements including meeting their tailored learning programme goals.

The students were awarded for successfully carrying out tasks like cooking independently and settling into college life.

Rachel Newman, principal and director of Beechwood College said: “Our end-of-year celebration is a special opportunity for students, their families, and staff to come together and look back on what they have achieved over the last year, whether these are small personal victories or major skills milestones.

“Of course, it is an emotional event too as we say farewell to our graduating students and wish them the very best of luck for the future.”

Inbetween awards, the audience was entertained by musical performances from students and staff, including a country and western number sung by a student which his brother had written especially for him.

Students and their families were able to enjoy a wide range of fun activities on the day, with a bouncy castle, hook a duck, water pistol painting, a non-alcoholic cocktail bar and an ice cream van.

Teachers, clinical team members, learning support assistants, managers, support workers, agency staff members, and service staff members were also recognised with their own awards.

She added: “Our staff work incredibly hard day in and out to support our learners and provide them with the best experiences and opportunities, so it is important that we recognised their invaluable contributions to the college at our celebrations too.

“The most poignant part of the day was the presentation of the new Gemma Rees award to Support Worker Lewis Union.

Ms Newman expressed her emotions after the loss of an important team member to the college who sadly passed away nine months ago, in November.

She added: “Team Leader Gemma was a bundle of energy and joy, loved and admired by the students and staff alike. The news of her passing back in November hit us all very hard.

“We opened a memorial garden and quiet room this week to celebrate Gemma and it only seemed fitting that we created this award too to remind us of all of the example Gemma set us.”

Beechwood College in Sully, offers education to young adults with Autistic Spectrum Conditions in a safe, secure environment, tailoring their provision to match each student's complex needs. The college promotes experiential learning for lifelong independence and community success.