March's most motivated students recognised with Student of the Month
28 March 2025
Each month Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group hold a ‘Student of the Month’ awards presentation that highlights and recognises the individual effort, progress and dedication of students who go above and beyond throughout the year.
This month saw the February round of nominees collect their awards. The presentations included a number of inspirational stories from staff about their nominees, including: overcoming personal challenges, going above and beyond on their chosen courses, exemplary attendance and hard work. We want to say a huge thank you to Gareth Higgins, Group Managing Director of KMF, for joining us and presenting the awards.
Carla Lotter - Professional Studies Award
After moving from South Africa to the UK at 15, Carla faced the challenge of adapting to a new country, leaving behind her family and friends. Despite the difficult transition, she embraced her studies on the Level 3 Travel & Tourism course with relentless determination, consistently achieving distinction-level work and taking on leadership roles in class. Carla’s passion for hospitality led her to independently secure work experience with Paragon Group. So impressed by her professionalism and drive, they offered her a 5-year development plan, including a Higher-Level Apprenticeship in Hospitality Management. Carla is now balancing her new apprenticeship with finishing her Level 3 qualification early, all while working part-time at The Wayfarer!
Keilly Drosdzowski - Professional Studies Award
A dedicated learner on the Level 3 Protective Services course, Keilly has shown outstanding commitment to both her academic and practical studies. Her recent impressive Government Policies exam result has put her on track for the highest possible grade of D*D*D*. She has embraced the military route in her second year, excelling in expedition skills, adventurous activities and work experience, including climbing Mount Snowdon and participating in a multi-college exercise at Venning Barracks, where she earned high praise from Army staff. Beyond her coursework, Keilly’s personal growth has been remarkable. She has transformed from struggling with frustration to becoming a positive role model in class, supporting peers and inspiring those around her. With her sights set on becoming an Army Vehicle Mechanic, there is no doubt Keilly has a bright future ahead.
Lynsey Phillips - Professional Studies Award
Currently excelling on the Health Professions Access to HE course, Lynsey is on track for a Distinction grade and plans to pursue a career in FE teaching within Health & Social Care. As class rep, she champions her peers' voices while offering unwavering support and guidance. Beyond college, she balances her studies with raising three teenage children, being the primary carer for her Autistic son, her Mum, and Grandma. Lynsey’s journey has been marked by resilience, challenges and prioritising her family’s needs over her own career aspirations. Now, she’s striving toward her goals with determination. In her spare time, she even knits and crochets baby clothes for Birmingham and Exeter hospitals to give back.
Jessica Bentley - Vocational Studies Award
Since joining GCSE English Language in January, Jessica has shown outstanding commitment - achieving 100% attendance and always arriving early. Her proactive approach to seeking feedback and applying it has seen her consistently exceed expectations, now performing a grade above her starting level. Jess’s strong work ethic extends beyond the classroom, she also balances her studies with working in a busy kitchen team at a local eatery. With her sights set on progressing to Level 2 Health & Social Care, Jess’s determination and drive prove she has everything it takes to achieve her aspirations.
Katie Lewis - Academic & Creative Studies Award
Despite facing personal challenges, Katie has fully embraced college life. Studying A Level Film, English Lang/Lit and Media Studies, she has thrived, securing work experience with the British Film Institute, where she directed and premiered her own short film. Katie’s creativity and leadership also shine in her role as Media Officer on the Students’ Union. She launched a campaign, produced promotional materials and now plays a key role in supporting college marketing and open events. Her ambition to study Film & Television at university is backed by her outstanding work ethic and growing portfolio.
Amelie Innocent - Skills & Technology Award
In her first year of the T Level Design & Development for Engineering, Amelie has shown exceptional dedication, consistently going above and beyond with extra research and innovative problem-solving. Her ability to offer creative solutions impresses everyone around her. Amelie has secured a prestigious MOD placement for her second year—an incredible opportunity to gain hands-on experience in Aerospace Engineering. With plans to study Mechanical Engineering at the University of Nottingham or Birmingham or pursue a degree apprenticeship, her future is looking bright. Outside of college, Amelie channels her creativity into acting with LAMDA.
Jay Dainty - Apprentice of the Month Award
Currently 18 months into his 42-month programme, Jay is already working well ahead of schedule, on track to complete his apprenticeship in just 24 months. His outstanding technical knowledge and ability to deliver high-quality reports have earned him significant responsibility at GE Vernova, including independently managing the Incoming Quality Inspection department and contributing to an ISO27001 audit. Jay’s commitment to safety is equally impressive. He recently called a “Stop Work” procedure to evacuate a test area due to a failed varistor, ensuring the safety of his colleagues, a decision that earned him a CEO award. Jay recently represented GE Vernova at our Next Steps Fayre, inspiring the next generation of apprentices.
Congratulations to all our students on their outstanding achievements and the admirable commitment shown to their studies.
