The ceremony acknowledged the culmination of three years of education and guidance for 25 students who have learnt valuable life and employment skills, equipping them to make a successful transition to the next stage of their lives.
Andrew Jones, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, joined Henshaws College principal Caroline Smale to co-present certificates and “transitions passports” which summarise what students have learned.
One graduating student, Vanessa May, explained: “I’ve really enjoyed my time at Henshaws and am much more independent. I’m very proud of learning IT and writing on the computer. I’m moving into supported living in Chesterfield at the end of August after helping my mum to decorate the house.”
Vanessa’s mum Liz added: “Words can’t describe Vanessa’s development over the last three years thanks to Henshaws. It’s been fantastic to see her mature and her interaction and understanding of what she is saying has improved by leaps and bounds.”
After the ceremony Andrew Jones said: “I’m delighted to be involved in this very special celebration. Henshaws is one of the finest organisations in the area and its record of achievement is truly inspiring. Among my priorities is to champion such organisations in Parliament.”
Emmerdale’s Kitty McGeever, the first permanently visually impaired character in a British soap opera and recent winner of the Yorkshire Woman of Achievement award, said: “It’s been out of this world – inspiring, encouraging and it’s wonderful to return for my second graduation ceremony and to celebrate the fantastic transformation in the students each year.”
The packed ceremony was also attended by Cllr Bill Hoult, Mayor of Harrogate, and Mayoress Vanessa Hoult, along with Cllr Richard Hall, Mayor of Knaresborough and Mayoress Rachael Hall.
Said Cllr Hoult: “This was both a moving and uplifting experience. I’ve been to a few graduations and this was one of the most inspiring to witness how the students overcome challenges, develop the self confidence to be themselves as well as inspiring those around them.”
Cllr Hall added: “This is my first Henshaws graduation and the ceremony is a dynamic showcase to recognise the hard work of both Henshaws College and the energy and achievements of its students. We’ve really enjoyed sharing the celebrations with students and their families.”
Harrogate’s new MP also presented two of the graduates with special awards. David Connelly received the Maxine Foster award, which recognises the student who ‘most embodies the spirit of enthusiasm for life and living’. The Joshua Rayner award, which acknowledges a ‘unique and enthusiastic approach to learning’ was given to Mazrab Mohammed. Both awards serve as memorials to their namesakes - Maxine was a young tutor working at the college who sadly died in 2006, and Joshua was a second year student who tragically died in October 2008.
Said David: “It’s important to be positive. You don’t know what will happen in life so it’s important to make the most of it. I’m extremely proud of my achievements in areas including athletics, music and walking. Henshaws is a very friendly place and I have lots of happy memories here.
“It’s great that I’m now becoming more independent and moving into a supervised flat. I want to study music and IT at Blackburn College and my goals include taking part in the 2012 Paralympic Games.”
During the ceremony Howard Cockeram, Chairman of Henshaws Society for Blind People, presented a series of awards achieved by Henshaws College over the last year. They comprise the Regional Support Centre Yorkshire & Humber Evolution Awards, the National Blind Gardener of the Year, the Great British National Care Home Awards and the Special Olypmics
Caroline Smale concluded: “The graduation is a momentous milestone in our calendar and it’s a privilege to watch the students grow up and mature. We give them many challenges to overcome and they show great courage and determination. They are now equipped for the next stage of their lives and we are immensely proud of their achievements.”
The students who graduated are:
Wayne Appleby Gary Bisset Lorna Brooksbank
Darren Calvert David Connelly Liam Colligan
Daniel Corrin Rebecca Cross Ruhana Doyle
Stacey Kimberley Jamie Lynas Rebekkah Lynch
David Marshall Vanessa May Tim Milledge
Mazrab Mohammed Nick Moxon Emma Powell
Helen Robinson Katie Sayer Jessica Shepherd
Gemma Tapsfield Adam Taylor Lindsey Trendel
Luke Wanklyn