STUDENTS at City and Islington College rolled out the red carpet for their annual awards ceremony.

STUDENTS at City and Islington College rolled out the red carpet for their annual awards ceremony.

This year's ceremony celebrated the successes of 15 students at the college's centre for business, arts and technology in Camden Road, Holloway.

Frank McLoughlin, principal of the college, said the awards were a celebration of young and adult students who are prepared to put in the "extra something" that is the key to success.

He said: "I'm so proud of all the students. It's a great event and for many of our students it's the first award they have ever received."

Former City and Islington student Iyare Igiehon, who now presents on BBC Radio 1 Xtra, acted as the MC for the night and introduced the various performances and awards. He said: "This is the second year I've hosted the awards and I'm really glad they asked me back again.

"This college is really special to me because it made a real difference in my life and I wouldn't be where I am today without it."

For 18-year-old Tamer Tunc, of Wood Green, his award for commitment and progress in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) is extra special. Tamer is profoundly deaf and not only needs a signer with him at all times, but as his first language is Turkish, he needs to translate his signing language into standard English.

Tamer said: "I feel really excited and happy and it was such a surprise to find out I had won an award. This college is so great because I have made so many friends here and the teachers are happy to help me. At times it has been hard for me but things like this award give me the motivation to keep on going and succeed."

Huseyin Acar, 20, of Hackney, had very little grasp of the English language when he arrived here from Turkey, but in just a few years he has managed to get his GCSEs, AS and A-levels and has also been the student president for the past two years. He was awarded with the outstanding achievement awarded and the learner of the year award. He said: "When I came here I never thought I would achieve what I have. Now I am going to go to university to study architecture.

"My father and brother are here to see me get my awards and they are so proud of me. I think awards like these are so important as it gives students something to aim at and gives their confidence a boost."

Laurelle Akintade, 18, of Waltham Forest, not only won the award for exceptional hard work and dedication, but also competes at a high level in athletics and is ranked in the top 130 for under 20s over 60m. She said: "I've been here for two years it's been great. I study sports science and want to go to university to study sports therapy and become a physio. It's nice to be recognised for my hard work and it's nice to get rewarded. I think it's so important for college's students to be celebrated when they put in a lot of effort.

LIST OF AWARD WINNERS

Karesha Antionette Thomas: Outstanding Achievement Award

Sharon Alfred: Improvement in Learning Award

Laurelle Akintade: Excceptional Hardwork and Dedication Award

Tamer Tunc: Commitment and Progress in ICT Award

Kristoffer Ignacio: Commitment and Progress in Business Studies Award

Alexander Wussah: The David Dorne for Outstanding Achievement Award

Hayden King: Access to HE Diploma Award

Carmel Temple: Commitment and Progress Award

Naomi Roberts: Outstanding Achievement Award

Karmen Kasai: The Ambreen Kaiserimam Award

Razna Ahmed: Excellence Award

Huseyin Acar: Outstanding Achievement Award and Learner of the Year in recognition of the public spirited support given to other students Award

Fidel Henry: The Lynette Oliphant Award recognising outstanding achievement in ESOL

Annette Potter: Commitment and Progress and Inspiration in Maths

Sarah McCreadie: Outstanding Achievement Award

Click here to view a gallery of the City & Islington College Awards