PROUD graduates from Rugby College have been celebrating their achievements on graduation day.
Ex-students from the college were celebrated during ceremonies hosted by Warwickshire College and University Centre (WCUC) – the Higher Education arm of college group WCG, which includes Rugby College – at St Mary’s Church in Warwick.
The ceremonies were followed by a procession through the heart of Warwick from the historic parish church.
Angela Joyce, CEO of WCG, opened the ceremonies with an address and was also on hand to present scrolls signifying the former students’ graduation from the college.
For each ceremony, one student had the opportunity to give the student vote of thanks address, with Rugby College Performing Arts graduate Fiona Kelly speaking on behalf of her fellow students.
Zoe Thacker graduated with a first-class degree in Performing Arts.
Zoe Thacker, 22, from Rugby, graduated with a first-class degree in Performing Arts. She said: “I’m feeling really proud to have graduated, particularly with the challenges of Covid, so to graduate with a first is fantastic.
“I have been with Rugby College since I left school, and this is the end of that. We’re going to try and start a small theatre education company that goes into schools, and hopefully that will be a good step into the performing arts.”
Ellie McConnell, 25, from Rugby, also graduated from the BA Performing Arts Course.
She said: “I learnt about WCG through a friend before beginning a foundation degree at the college. After completing the program, there was the choice to transition onto the full degree course and I jumped at the opportunity.
Ellie McConnell also graduated from the BA Performing Arts Course.
“On my course, I enjoyed working with my friends and doing assignments, studying and shows together. In the future I am looking to write my own play or book to be performed.”
Ellie Harding, 21, from Coventry, completed the FdA Performing Arts course. She said: “I feel great about graduating today. I have been performing for as long as I can remember, so this was the perfect course for me.
“During my course, I really enjoyed working on a production of Wise Children by Emma Rice – it was a big step for me and a big achievement in the end as I got one of my first main roles.
“I am currently doing a childcare qualification before hopefully returning in two years to complete the full performing arts degree course.”
Angela Joyce added: “It was wonderful to see the beautiful St Mary’s Church filled with students, family and friends for what was a very special couple of days.
“The ceremonies were a celebration of the hard work, dedication and commitment of our graduates here at WCUC.
“Each and every graduate should take great pride in their resilience. They have completed their studies in a turbulent time with significant disruption brought by the pandemic.”
