A ‘DEDICATED’ health and social care student who has overcome personal challenges to succeed in her studies has been named Student of the Year at Rugby College.
Molly O’Reilly, from Ryton on Dunsmore, has also been presented with the Health and Social Care and Early Years Commitment to Learning award.
Around 150 people, including students, staff, parents and guardians, attended the eighth annual Further Education Student Awards ceremony at the college, which is part of college group WCG.
Molly, who is studying Level 2 Health and Social Care at the college, was praised for her hard work and the support she shows her peers as well as overcoming personal challenges with maturity and determination.
Molly said she was surprised, shocked and ‘really happy’ to win the Student of the Year Award.
She said: “I’m currently living without a dad as he’s waiting for a heart transplant – so we could get a call to go to the hospital at any time, which has been really hard.
“I’ve also got autism, ADHD and dyslexia which means I struggle to concentrate in English, but I’m getting a lot better and I’ve actually achieved A*s in every unit.
“I love all of my tutors, they’re all different but they all explain things really well and are very helpful.
“I really love caring for others and want to go into the care industry. I completed a placement at Cubbington Mill Care Home where I really enjoyed working with the residents.
“They’ve now offered me a job as an activity co-ordinator which I’ll be doing alongside my Level 3 health and social care qualification at the college next year.”
Students taking a range of subjects at Rugby College received awards at the celebratory event.
Tracy Gibson, Head of Department for Care, Early Years, Catering, Sport and Public Services at Rugby College, described Molly as a dedicated student who had been fully engaged in every topic.
Tracy added: “She has worked hard consistently throughout the year, always aiming for the highest grades, and has demonstrated the ability to listen and respond to feedback and has used this to develop her writing skills.
“Whilst being a very reserved student at the start of the course, she has blossomed over the course of the year, becoming more confident, outgoing and always willing to support her peers in the class.
“With real maturity and determination, she has managed to overcome personal challenges throughout the year, and we are extremely proud of everything she has achieved.”
Students taking a range of subjects at Rugby College received awards on the evening, including supported learning, maths, English, A-Levels, digital and cyber technology, art and design, performing arts, hair and beauty, engineering, motor vehicle, health and social care, early years, hospitality and catering, public services and sport.
Simon Philpott, Director of Rugby College, said: “It is my privilege to see the results of the hard work which has taken place throughout this academic year.
“We’re extremely proud of every single one of our students and their achievements, and I would like to congratulate all of those who received awards at our celebratory event.”
