HIGHER Education students from Craven College celebrated their graduation with family, friends, and honoured guests including Skipton MP Sir Julian Smith and original calendar girl Angela Baker.

Graduates of the class of 2024 were recognised for their hard work and determination at celebrations held at Skipton Town Hall and Holy Trinity Church.

More than 50 higher education students graduated in a variety of subjects, accounting, animal and equine, aviation, performing arts and education and training. People also successfully graduated in therapeutic counselling, and young children’s learning and development.

MP Sir Julian Smith wished all the graduates success in their future lives. He said: “It is fantastic to see so many talented graduates from Craven College here this evening. Craven College provides an incredible opportunity for learning and skills development in the area. I wish everyone all the best for their first steps on the career ladder, following their success today.”

Anita Lall, Principal and CEO of Craven College, told the graduates they had much to look forward to."I hope that our vision of being exceptional in everything that we do and unlocking potential and changing lives is something that you will carry forward into this new chapter," she said.

“Through your time at Craven College, you have already shown great resilience, you have supported each other and been supported, you have overcome adversity and not given up even when life felt hard. Today is the result of that hard work and perseverance. Be proud of what you have achieved because we are all tremendously proud of you.”

Guest speaker, original Calendar Girl, Miss February, Angela Baker, talked about how her life had changed with the decision to create a tasteful naked calender to raise money for charity.

Angela’s life took an unexpected turn when in 1998 her husband John was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, being ill for five months before passing away. Her friends from the Rylstone and District Womens’ Institute rallied around with support, compassion, and an unusual suggestion, that their yearly calendar showed off the skills of the WI in the nude and raise some money for Blood Cancer UK.

What transpired was a journey meeting royalty, a blockbuster movie, a stage show, a musical and – most importantly of all – raising an incredible £6 million and counting for Blood Cancer UK, the charity of which Angela is now proudly Vice President. A collection at the ceremony raised more £140 which will be donated to Blood Cancer UK.

Angela told the audience: “Express your gratitude to those who have played a role in your success. Thank people who have guided and believed in you and have supported you through the good and the challenging times.

“When faced with uncertainty or fear, taking that leap of faith can lead to unexpected and wonderful outcomes. Embrace the unknown, set your goals, stay persistent, resilient, and celebrate progress. Today we acknowledge your hard work and achievements during your time at Craven College, I would like to congratulate you all.”

As well as receiving their degrees and awards validated by The University of Hull, Pearson, NCFE, ABC, and AAT, a number of students were rewarded with special awards, provided by Skipton Mechanics Institute, for academic excellence, exceptional determination, working towards a high standard and displaying professional skills required for employment.

Sam Olliver, BSc Air Transport Management, and winner of the Jet2 Award for Employability Skills said, “The Aviation Academy at Craven College is really relevant to the industry. The course was varied, and the tutors were really good, which has set me up for a career in air traffic control.”

Award winners:

Award for Academic Excellence –for high achieving students - Freya Nicholson; The Principal’s Prize - For students studying in exceptional circumstances - Ruby Trueman and Georgia Dodd; The Dissertation Prize – For completing an outstanding Dissertation that demonstrates innovation and an interesting approach – Adam Payne, Emily Gamble, Ruby Trueman, and Melanie Brown; Jet2 Award for Employability Skills – For an Aviation student who is most likely to succeed in the industry – Sam Olliver; Craven College HE Award for Performing Arts – For students who are the most likely to succeed in industry - Annabelle Horsfall; Craven College HE Award for Land-based Industries – For students who are the most likely to succeed in industry – Eleanor Crabtree; Craven College HE Award for Caring Professions and Education & Training – For students who are the most likely to succeed in industry – Jo Bastow;Alix Coughlan Award for Caring Professions – for a high achieving student on the Young Children's Learning and Development Degree and commemorates Alix a much-loved tutor – Alexandra Harness; Craven College HE Award for Apprenticeships – For students most likely to succeed in industry – Drew Burrell.

More about Craven College at: https://www.craven-college.ac.uk. Donations can be made to the charity Blood Cancer UK at www.bloodcancer.org.uk.