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Joss Garman, centre, founder of Plane Stupid
College Presentation Evening
19th January 2009
The College’s Presentation Evening was staged recently in Hereford’s Shirehall, where guests, including students receiving prizes and awards and their parents, were warmly welcomed by Dr. Ken Hopkins, Chairman of Governors, who pointed out this was his first opportunity, as the recently-elected Chairman, to exercise this privilege.
The Principal, Dr Jonathan Godfrey, then paid tribute to the students’ many and several successes. He spoke too of the “triangle”, on which such successes rely: that partnership between hard-working students; the support and encouragement provided by parents; and the skills of a very able and caring staff. In referring to the College’s staff the Principal emphasised he was referring to the entire staff of the College, both the academic staff and the support staff, to all of whom was due much of the credit for the successes being celebrated during the evening (alongside the hard work of the students, of course!).
The highlight of the evening was a short and focused address by former student Joss Garman. Joss, an environmental activist, works for Greenpeace, and was the founder of Plane Stupid.
Some thought him a brave choice as speaker, but it was clear from the start that he had the ready support of an empathising audience. Aiming his remarks principally at the students, he pointed out the responsibilities they had for the future well-being of the world and also the opportunities they have to do something about this.
Joss’ speech is the subject of a special report by one of the students who attended Presentation Evening. (Look out for details.)
Along with some current, continuing students many recent leavers were happy to return from their present university studies for the prize-giving and to meet up with friends, colleagues, and members of staff.
College subject prizes and ‘A’ level certificates were presented by Joss Gorman, together with prizes for Academic Achievement (for those who gained four or more A grades at ‘A’ level) – of whom there were fifty, and also the College’s trophies.
On an evening which rightly celebrated many of the College’s academic achievements, the College Saxophone Quartet opened proceedings, playing as students, parents and staff took their places.
Ed.