Faye Hall has been honoured for her outstanding achievements in the face of adversity at our annual Barnsley College Excellence Awards.
“Receiving the first award was already phenomenal and then, to my shock and disbelief, I was chosen for the Principal’s Award.”
Games Development Level 3 student Faye won the Overcoming Adversity Award and was also chosen as the recipient of the Principal’s Award, selected by Principal and Chief Executive of Barnsley College, Yiannis Koursis OBE, from the winners of 19 individual awards which were presented at Barnsley Metrodome.
Faye has gained high grades for her College assignments in Games Development despite developing an aggressive chondroblastoma, a benign tumour which could result in her losing use of her left arm. She was recognised for her inspirational drive to work to an excellent standard and be successful through the course of her treatment, which has included various biopsies, surgery, a bone transplant and extensive recovery time.
To succeed on a challenging and fast-paced course whilst undergoing treatment was described by Faye’s tutors as being “both extraordinary and inspirational”, as she has shown that “adversity can be overcome with grace and dignity.”
Faye said: “Receiving the first award was already phenomenal and then, to my shock and disbelief, I was chosen for the Principal’s Award. After all the issues I’ve gone through, it felt like the most incredible gift I could’ve been given. Everything that happened on the night felt so special, receiving my awards and being spoken about in such a positive light was so heart-warming.
“I’d like to give a huge thank you to everyone who attended the awards night and praised my efforts, especially my tutor Jonathan Dobson for nominating me and Yiannis, the Principal.”
Yiannis Koursis OBE, Principal and Chief Executive at the College, added: “I always think that our students are the best kept secret in South Yorkshire, possibly the world! Our Excellence Awards show us just how truly fabulous they are, and they are always my highlight of the academic year.
“I am immensely proud of all our award winners and their moving, inspirational and amazing stories show us how well-deserved their great futures will be. I would also like to thank our sponsors for their kind support and Barnsley College’s staff who work tirelessly to enable such success.”
The awards ceremony at Barnsley Metrodome saw our College, Sixth Form and University Centre students acknowledged for their achievements.
Twenty awards were presented including Apprentice of the Year, Barnsley Museums & Heritage Trust, Enterprise Achievement, Equality and Diversity, Fusion Arts, Brian Glover Outstanding Achievement in Performing Arts, Frank Johnston Outstanding Achievement in Public Services, Overcoming Adversity, Progression Award, Societies Award, Student of the Year, Student Voice Representative, Townend Tribute, Tutorial Award, Work Placement and Internship and the Principal’s Award.
Guests enjoyed a two-course meal and were entertained by Barnsley College’s Dance and Musical Theatre students and the Barnsley Youth Choir. The keynote speaker was former College student, Gary Clarke, one of the UK’s leading contemporary dance artists.
The event was also supported by many local and national businesses including Ardagh Glass, Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce, Barnsley Chronicle, Barnsley Civic, Barnsley Council, Barnsley FC, Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Barnsley Museums & Heritage Trust, Barnsley Premier Leisure, Berneslai Homes, Bond Bryan, Brook Corporate Development, Evri, Extreme Networks, Freshpak, Masonite, Software House International (SHI), T3 Training and Development and Wentworth Woodhouse.
Last updated: 21st July 2023
Originally posted on: 30th June 2023