The glamorous event – sponsored by awarding bodies City & Guilds and NCFE – recognised the achievements of 98 outstanding students from both the Medway and Maidstone campuses.
Winners included John Hendrie, 21, from Rochester, who studied sports development and fitness at the Medway Campus and scooped the coveted Stephen Grix Award.
John joined the College as a Neet (Not in Employment, Education or Training) in 2008 but worked his way through several qualifications to earn a place studying sports coaching at Buckingham New University.
He said: “It was the start of the recession when I joined MidKent College, and at that stage in my life I could never have imagined being where I am today.
“It’s not easy but we can all get to where we want to be if we put our minds to it. I owe a lot to my tutor and lecturers, and most importantly to my mum and dad for giving me a kick up the backside every now and then.
“Thanks to MidKent College for getting me to where I am today.”
The large entrance pavilion of the College’s Medway Campus was transformed for the glitzy night of celebrations, during which award winners and their guests were given VIP treatment.
Awards were handed out in the theatre with entertainment provided by some of the College’s most talented performers.
Chairman of Governors Sheila Potipher said: “If you believe everything you read, you’d think all young people are out wearing hoodies, rioting and looting shops. Tonight we’ve proved that’s not the case.
“I’m immensely proud to be associated with this college, and of every young person who studies here.”
Photos from the Student Awards, including information on how to obtain your own copies, will be available from this website next week.
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For all media enquiries, please contact Steve Knight, Marketing and Communications Officer, on 01634 383277 or email steve.knight@midkent.ac.uk.