Hillcroft Celebrates Students Success

Students soaked up the sunshine at Hillcroft students' Celebration Day in the company of the Worshipful the Mayor and Mayoress of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, Councilor Patrick Codd and Mrs Susan Codd.  VIP guests joined the celebrations, including patrons Professor Sir Deian Hopkin, former Vice Chancellor of Southbank University; Edward Davey MP; Councillor and former Deputy Mayor Shiraz Mirza; author journalist Cynthia Cockburn, and CEO and founder of black youth magazine Annika Allen.

Staff and Governors congratulated the students at the annual roll call in recognition of students' hard work and their successful educational outcomes.  Many are now studying at university, have improved their job opportunities, or even started their own business. Odette Stapley, who has just completed her first year at St Mary's University and has latterly become a Hillcroft volunteer, spoke highly of the College ‘Through the dedicated support of staff, Hillcroft has unlocked a whole new life for my family and me, and enabled my progression to University’.

Old Scholar and Author Marian Weber had the audience in laughter with her stories of student antics in the 60s. MP Edward Davey offered political support, noting that the coalition were working hard to rectify the economic crisis, and the importance of using education as the gateway to future opportunity.

Children also enjoyed the gardens and bouncy activity centre, many having enjoyed their stay at Hillcroft’s nursery run by Tines, while their mothers built new friendships through their courses and the unique residential experience.

The warm blue skies were enriched further with the sound of ‘The Caribbean All Stars steel band, children’s laughter, and many old friends catching up, a sumptuous buffet, and triumphant students, all making the day a memorable and enjoyable experience.

From Left to Right: Odette Stapley and daughter , the Mayor and his wife, Anna Lofts