Palmer's students to be honoured with special award

PALMER’S College in Grays held their annual Prize Giving Ceremony when more than 200 students were honoured with special awards through the generosity of the William Palmer College Educational Trust and local businesses.

The Gazette awards two prizes at the ceremony each year, and this year Philip Sandu won the boy’s prize for achievement in A-level Humanities.

Philip, who now studies Law at Kings College, London, won three other prizes including the Palmer’s Solicitors prize for the best achievement at A level by a student going onto university to study Law, a Challis Prize and a William Palmer Bursary for outstanding achievement at A level.

Katie Carey was the winner of the Gazette girl’s prize and also the recipient of a Challis Prize, William Palmer Bursary and The Edward Moorehouse Prize for real enthusiasm and outstanding achievement in the study of English Literature.

Katie, from Little Thurrock, was a previous student at The Grays School and is now studying Law at Bristol University.

Other prize winners on the night were Serhiy Shcherban for excellence in Economics and Business Studies, Sarah Webb, who was awarded for making the most contribution to the community, as well as The Grays Parish Church Prize and the Silverwood Prize for excellent achievement at A level, and Lee Sharpe, winner of the F.G. Lang Ltd Trophy for achievement in Technology and Manufacturing.

Luke Hunt-Coldham won the Arthur Jones Cup for achievement in Music, Natalie Ward was awarded the Elsie French Cup for Sporting Excellence, while Rachael Haigh won a Challis Prize and a William Palmer Bursary, as well as winning the Empire Cinemas Film Studies award for achievement in Film Studies.

Lisa Morgans won a Silverwood Prize and a Hew Watt Prize for making an outstanding contribution to the cultural and social life of the College and Abid Siddiqui, also won the Hew Watt prize.

Principal Mark Vinall said: “The annual Prize Giving at Palmer’s College is a wonderful celebration of the outstanding achievements of our students and a recognition of the excellent support they receive from the Community, College staff, family, friends and of course the William Palmer College Educational Trust.”