The Lincoln College Group returned once again to The Drill for its annual Further Education Awards Ceremony, celebrating the remarkable achievements of 25 students across its three campuses – Lincoln College, Newark College, and the Air & Space Institute (ASI).
Students, their guests, staff, and sponsors were welcomed into a vibrant, floral-themed venue, where a summer high tea set the tone for the evening. The event opened with a dazzling performance of Tea for Two by Level 3 Dance students, choreographed by one of the evening’s award winners, Demi Xystouri, who proudly watched from the audience.
Mark Locking, principal and CEO of Lincoln College Group, said: “Year after year, we welcome incredible students through our doors.
“Tonight, we celebrate just a handful of our extraordinary learners, many of whom have overcome barriers that even adults would struggle with – all while juggling their studies and building their future careers.
“They are a credit to us all. We can’t wait to see what they’ll achieve beyond their time with us. Congratulations to all our student and apprentice winners.”
One of the evening’s most inspirational moments came with the recognition of Kymani Campbell, winner of both the Engineering & Technology Award and the Extraordinary Student of the Year Award (16–18). Kymani was honoured for his perseverance and positivity during a time of profound personal upheaval.
After tragically losing his mother and his leg in a devastating accident, Kymani made the courageous move from the Caribbean to Lincoln in August 2024, leaving behind friends and family to start a new chapter. Joining Lincoln College that September, he enrolled on the Level 2 Computer Studies course, embracing both academic and personal challenges with extraordinary determination.
Balancing studies, accessibility struggles, and life in a new country, Kymani has shown an unshakeable commitment to his goals. Now walking with a prosthetic leg and nearing the end of his first year, he has his sights set on a computing apprenticeship.
Kymani Campbell, Level 2 Computing Student, said: “I feel great about achieving this award. I came to Lincoln College having a few troubles, but I have overstepped these troubles and worries. The obstacles I had to go through was the passing of my mum and the accident losing my leg, so that’s been a bit much for me and a lot I had to go through.
“I was resilient and fearless – I came in and did what I had to do and now I have achieved an award for doing all of that. It hasn’t affected my education; it’s just put me on a higher level to push myself harder than I used to before.”
The evening also featured outstanding vocal performances by Level 3 and 4 Performing Arts students, including renditions of Don’t Rain on My Parade, Funny Girl, All That Matters, and Maybe This Time, whilst Catering & Hospitality students contributed to the evening celebrations delivering a delicious three course meal.
Guests were also inspired by a keynote speech from a former Lincoln College student, now vice president of gas services UK & Ireland at Siemens, who shared his journey from college to corporate leadership.
Full list of winners
- A Level Student Award sponsored by the University of Lincoln: Martyna Wierzbicka
- College of Art & Design Award sponsored by SOOPA DOOPA: Ellie Kennedy
- Performance Arts Award sponsored by The Drill: Demi Xystouri
- Business & Education Student Award sponsored by Nova Talent: Ewa Darmoroz
- Policing & Protective Services Award sponsored by The Order of the St. John Care Trust: Zoe Maxwell
- Construction Award sponsored by GRS Electrical Services: Tabitha Morris
- Engineering & Technology Award sponsored by Siemens Energy: Kymani Campbell
- Hair & Beauty Award sponsored by Red Hair: Grace Rhodes
- Maths & English Award sponsored by Viridis: Luke Holland
- Sport & Animal Care Award sponsored by the JHT Group: Ignas Bukovskis
- Apprentice Academic Achievement Award sponsored by Newark & Sherwood District Council: Breanna Newberry
- Apprentice Best Employee Award sponsored by HubGem: Hollie Belshaw from DC Baxter
- Service Sector Award sponsored by Doddington Hall & Gardens: Noah Quint
- Apprentice Outstanding Skills Award sponsored by Core Architects: Charlie Sullivan
- College Community Spirit Award sponsored by Rockbox Advertising: Sam Hunt
- Air & Space Institute Award sponsored by DEA Aviation Ltd: Malakai Atakora
- Care Services Award sponsored by Lincolnshire Care Association (Linca): Noah Forbes Turner
- Community & International Students Award sponsored by Biffa: Manuel Hanif Dias
- Philip Dawson Supported Education Award Supported by Castle Education: Robert Kunkiel
- T Level Award sponsored by Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce: Jack Bevan
- Apprentice Rising Star Award sponsored by the Royal Air Force: Finley Cox
- Best Progression Award sponsored by Currys: Imogen Parlett
- Richard Arbon Award for Overcoming Adversity sponsored by Creed: Mia Grant
- Kev Gibbon Most Improved Student of the Year Award sponsored by Oakmoor: Freeman Edwards
- Extraordinary Student of the Year Award Exceptional Achievement 16-18 sponsored by Quiet Tiger Aviation: Kymani Campbell
- Extraordinary Student of the Year Award Exceptional Achievement 19+ sponsored by Game Saints: Manuel Hanif Dias
- Apprentice of the Year Award sponsored by Destec Engineering Ltd: Tabitha Morris
