Two Newcastle College University Centre students have been named as finalists in the Association of Colleges’ (AOC) Student of the Year Awards. Angela Newsome and Daniel Smith have both been shortlisted for the annual awards, which celebrate unique students who go above and beyond to inspire others.
After graduating from a Foundation Degree in Culinary Arts in July with distinction, Angela has been shortlisted for Higher Education Student of the Year. Angela has balanced her part-time studies at the College over the last five years alongside working and supporting her family, all whilst delivering superb coursework and even winning medals in the North East Culinary and Trade Awards (NECTA).
In addition, she has mentored fellow students, held a Student Fellowship, represented students as Class Representative and a course ambassador, and developed the very first issue of Canny Scran, the hospitality department’s first published magazine. Since graduating, Angela has secured a role working for Newcastle College’s catering department.
“I wish I could take all the credit,” said Angela, after finding out she’d been shortlisted. “A student is only as good as the lecturers and I feel they should also be nominated!”
Daniel, who is currently studying for an Energy Engineering degree, has been shortlisted in the Student Green Commitment category and said that he feels “very excited and confident” about his nomination.
Committed to his studies and developing his knowledge of the world of energy and green skills, Dan has combined his degree alongside working for Newcastle College as a Green Skills Schools Engagement Officer. This means delivering green skills sessions to young people in primary, middle and secondary schools across the North East and even developing new learning resources to engage them and support the school curriculum.
Dan is also now a STEM ambassador and works closely with regional organisers to ensure that STEM activities are attended and supported. He has represented the College and its Green Growth Skills Project at regional conferences and contributed significantly to the region’s Green Growth Foresighting Project with regional partners and the North East Combined Authority.
Maria Gibson, Director of Higher Education at Newcastle College, said: “It is so exciting, and we are extremely proud, that two of our students have been shortlisted for these prestigious awards. All of our degrees are designed to give our students real hands-on experiences and opportunities to develop their skills in lots of different ways to prepare them for their careers, and both Daniel and Angela are excellent examples of why we succeed at that.
“What’s even better is that both Angela and Daniel are now colleagues and have chosen to continue pursuing their passions and their careers right here at the place where they have developed their knowledge and skills. It's fantastic that they now bring their positive attitude from their studies to the workplace to continue inspiring our current students.”
The AOC Student of the Year Awards will be held on Tuesday 12 November as part of the AOC Conference, where both Daniel and Angela will find out if they’re winners.
Find out more about the AOC Student of the Year Awards at https://www.aoc.co.uk/awards/student-of-the-year/student-of-the-year-2024-25