The awards were presented in the magnificent surroundings of York Minster with Sam Peacock and Matthew Galley, who had both studied the Foundation Degree in Digital Technologies (Cybersecurity) course, joining BA (Hons) 3D Creative Practice graduate Harriet Fleetham in gaining recognition for their exceptional efforts. 

 

Sam won the Governors’ Award after demonstrating incredible resilience, determination and commitment to commute to York from his home near Lincoln while balancing his course commitments with caring responsibilities at home after his mother was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. 

 

He also took on an additional evening class to develop his Maths skills and overcame anxieties to make big strides with his overall personal development. 

 

Matthew was the winner of our IoT Award, sponsored by York Science Park and The Guildhall York, having achieved outstanding results despite health issues which greatly impacted on his physical attendance. 

 

In the face of adversity, Matthew still produced consistently high-quality coursework, combining detailed technical analysis with a highly professional writing style. 

 

He was also very supportive of classmates and would frequently be seen working one-to-one with them and helping them to get to grips with some of the more technical aspects of the course, making him a real asset to the group. 

 

Matthew, from Nether Poppleton, is now seeking employment in a fast-growing industry. 

 

 

Harriett, meanwhile, was presented with the Outstanding Achievement Award, sponsored by The Art Society Ebor, having first started studying Level 2 Art and Design at the College in 2017. 

 

She went on to join the Level 3 Extended Diploma in 3D Design course, before staying on for her Higher Education. 

 

Despite always encountering difficulties with her written and academic work, Harriet’s determination to succeed enabled her to develop strategies to help her progress through the levels and watching her phenomenal progression was inspirational during a journey that saw her go from a shy, unconfident student at Level 4 to one who independently completed her final project to a 2:1 standard and produced a 5,000-word dissertation. 

 

The 22-year-old from Pocklington also saw her work exhibited at the Norman Rea Gallery in Heslington, York this month. 

 

On her six-year academic journey with York College, Harriet added: “I never expected that I would go on to get a degree at all and still feel like I winged it a bit from the first year and just kept on staying so, to get a 2:1 and exhibit some of my pieces, feels pretty good.”