Eastern Education Group celebrates class of 2024 during annual awards ceremony held at the Cathedral

Principal’s choice winner starred in Aguilera video and is now off to top arts academy

Twin sisters team up with friends to create feminist book club and raise money for period poverty charities

Students from across the Eastern Education Group (EEG) – West Suffolk College Sixth Form, Abbeygate Sixth Form in Bury St Edmunds and One Sixth Form in Ipswich – were recognised and honoured at a prestigious awards ceremony that took place on Tuesday 25 June 2024.

Held at the Cathedral in Bury St Edmunds, the ‘Celebration of Achievement’ awards shine a light on success across the EEG.

32 prizes were handed out in categories that encompassed character strengths, sustainability and equality, diversity and inclusion. There were also categories for most improved student, outstanding young learner, rising star and a principal’s choice category saw three learners also gain awards.

The awards took place amidst a backdrop of ongoing success for the EEG during the last 12 months that has seen the opening of new facilities including a state-of-the-art XR lab, continued academic excellence as well as ongoing support for a host of community projects.

Dr Nikos Savvas is the Chief Executive Officer of the EEG. He said: “Tonight is one of my favourite nights of the year. I love celebrating the hard work, dedication, and effort that so many of our young people have put into their studies. Many have gone above and beyond and it’s important we recognise them. Dedication is the cornerstone of achievement. Our students have demonstrated extraordinary dedication, investing time and effort into their studies, often balancing numerous responsibilities. You (students) have shown that with determination, no challenge is insurmountable. Your passion for learning and your dedication to self-improvement inspires us all.”

Award winners from West Suffolk College, Abbeygate Sixth Form College and One Sixth Form College, alongside Dr Nikos Savvas, CEO of Eastern Education Group, and Chair of Governors, Elton D'Souza

Dr Savvas also thanked parents, families, friends, teachers, tutors, mentors and staff for supporting learners across the group.

One of the recipients of the principal’s choice award was Oliver Jenkins, 18, from Manningtree.       

Oliver who studied musical theatre at West Suffolk College Sixth Form - has starred in a host of productions that have been created by the acting arm of the college that is called Conservatoire East.

During his time in Bury, he also starred in a Christina Aguilera video and will now be heading off to tread the boards at the prestigious Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts in London. Oliver said: “I was told I got this (award) for the progress I’ve made and the work I’ve put in. Winning this is quite a big thing. I’ve obviously done something right, I’m proud of myself and my hard work has paid off.

On his time at the college, Oliver added: “I learnt so much in such a short space of time and I’m thankful to the tutors. We often joke about the fact that I would thank them if I won an Oscar – but let’s make that joke a reality.”

Twin win - sisters Hannah and Isobel Perry were part of a four person team who set up a feminist book club and raised money for period poverty charities with Ellie Stevens and Scarlett Petty

It was also a twin win for sisters Hannah and Isobel Perry, both 18 from Bury St Edmunds. They were part of a team that received a community champion award. Scarlett Petty, 19 from Saffron Walden and Ellie Stevens, 17, from Stowmarket were also involved in setting up a feminist book club at Abbeygate Sixth Form College whilst raising £500.00 that was given to period poverty charities. 

Another winner was Amber Bradnam, 18, from Bury St Edmunds who received an award for her efforts in supporting the community via cricket coaching.

Hamish Crawford from One Sixth Form College was given an accolade for showing remarkable growth and unwavering determination as he won a character strength award. Hamish is off to Lords this week to represent the sixth form in a national table cricket finals competition.

Out of all of the winners – two special prizes were also given out by way of a CEO and Governor’s choice award. These accolades went to Marcus Steventon and Stella Godden.

Marcus Steventon and Stella Godden with Chair of Governors, Elton D'Souza (left) and Dr Nikos Savvas, CEO of Eastern Education Group (right).

Marcus, 19, from Bury St Edmunds studied at West Suffolk College Sixth Form on a T Level childcare course. During his programme, he collected festive presents for children who would otherwise not receive a gift at Christmas as part of a campaign that is run by the Salvation Army. Marcus said, ‘it was amazing to win’.

Stella, 18, from Bury St Edmunds is a learner from Abbeygate Sixth Form and was praised during the ceremony ‘for being a brilliant ambassador for the college’.

The master of ceremonies was Tanya Verow - a performing arts lecturer at One Sixth Form College - and all winners received a trophy. Music was performed a choir made up of West Suffolk College Sixth Form performing arts students called Amado. And food was provided by Edmunds Restaurant.