Olympic Sprinter joins outstanding Havering students at inspiring awards evening.

Double Olympic medallist Desirèe Henry was the special guest at the New City College Student Achievement Awards presentation evening on Monday where exceptional students were celebrated for their dedication and commitment.

Sprinter Desirèe, who won a silver medal in this year’s 2024 Paris Olympics and a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Games, spoke about resilience and never giving up.

She told the winning students, their families, teachers and VIP guests how she started running because she wanted to be like her older sister. Throughout her career she has had many triumphs but also devastating setbacks and through perseverance and overcoming adversity, she has realised her dream of being an Olympian.

Held at the Leonardo Royal London City hotel, near the Tower of London, the event was a night to remember for the students from Havering’s NCC campuses – Ardleigh Green, Havering Sixth Form, and the Construction and Engineering Centre in Rainham. They were presented with trophies and received glowing testimonials for showing determination, endeavour, strength and achieving beyond expectation.

The awards ceremony raised awareness of all the brilliant things that New City College and its students do – serving communities, partnering businesses and supporting success. Many of the students receiving awards were examples of how their learning has had a profound effect on their lives.

The 200 guests, including business professionals, sponsors, councillors and mayors, were entertained by performing arts and music students from the Ardleigh Green Campus.

The 36 awards included Team of the Year, Outstanding Contribution to the Community, Outstanding Achievement, Student Ambassador of the Year and Apprentice of the Year.

CEO and Group Principal Gerry McDonald told the audience: “I have been so impressed and inspired by our students and their stories tonight. We are immensely proud of all of them for these incredible achievements. I want to thank DesirèeHenry for her truly passionate and positive speech and I want to thank my teaching and support staff colleagues who have helped our students reach such high standards of progress and achievement.”

Sponsors of the event were: CTC Building Services, Bath Spa University, Canary Wharf Group, Alexander James Contracts, Get Yourself Noticed, Pearson and Stace.

Stay up to date with all of our latest updates and content by following us on our social media accounts!

We have created community pages where we will share our up-to-date stories happening in the area. Add the area closest to where you live.