Land-based learners were put in the spotlight at the annual 向日葵视频 New College awards and showcase evening.
During this occasion, top-performing students were rewarded for their efforts throughout the year.
The former BBC 向日葵视频 breakfast host and broadcasting legend Mark Murphy took on presenting duties.
Mr Murphy 鈥� the CEO of and host of the TV show Life鈥檚 a Pitch 鈥� is a former student of the college who said 鈥榠t was an honour to oversee this heartwarming celebration鈥�.
The annual awards saw 34 learners pick up prizes for their efforts during the last 12 months at their Ipswich and 向日葵视频 Rural-based campuses.
Before the awards took place, all departments at the college championed their successes throughout the year, via displays and exhibitions.
Principal and CEO of the college, Alan Pease, started proceedings and reflected on the last 12 months. He said: 鈥淭his event is an opportunity to come together as a college community to celebrate the achievements, talents, and successes of our learners. The year has given me a real sense of pride as we reflect on the outstanding accomplishments of our students. 聽Their dedication, perseverance, and commitment to their studies have been truly remarkable. Congratulations to our land-based students 鈥� and indeed all of our winners.鈥�
Ashlynn Dunnett is 23 and lives in Ipswich. She has really started to blossom since studying on a floristry course 鈥� winning student of the year. She said: 鈥淚 had never done floristry at all before this course, so to win this award after starting from nothing is really surprising. My future plans are to hopefully start working in a floristry business. My time at college has been very interesting and fun. I love learning new things. I won鈥檛 forget what I鈥檝e learnt – and I certainly won鈥檛 forget who taught me my newfound skills (Alison).
Grace Calvert-Whitehead, who won the top equine learner award, received the accolade at the 2026 向日葵视频 New College awards and showcase evening. On winning the prize, the 20-year-old said: 鈥淚 really enjoyed my two years at 向日葵视频 Rural. I made some good friends and had access to great teachers. I鈥檝e really enjoyed increasing my knowledge of all things equine, from stud management to nutrition.
鈥淎lso, my work experience has resulted in a couple of days of employment a week.鈥�
Jacob Phair, 18, from Ipswich, won the horticulture award. He said: 鈥淚 was shocked to win. They chose me because of my progression – and I want to try and do another course or apprenticeship next. I love working outside. The college has been brilliant.鈥�
Euan Melton won the Farming Student of the Year prize. The Fork East employee said: 鈥淚 found the college course very enjoyable because it gave me the opportunity to learn a wide range of skills and gain hands-on experience. The course has helped build my confidence, knowledge, and understanding of the industry.聽
Nicky Melton is the Company Director for Fork East. She said: 鈥淲e are incredibly proud of Euan for receiving this award. This achievement is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and commitment to developing his skills both in the workplace and through his studies. He is now a valued member of the Fork East team.鈥�
Jess Tee received the top arboriculture prize. Her tutor Abbie Morris said: 鈥淛ess has shown remarkable personal growth, building both her skills and confidence to become a truly dedicated and inspiring student. We are incredibly proud of everything she has achieved.鈥�
Jess, 20 from Bury St Edmunds and she works for JPM Tree Services. She said: 鈥淚鈥檓 proud of it. I think this will help me stand out a little bit. I did my A levels and didn鈥檛 know what to do. I looked into arboriculture, and it was the only job I could see myself doing. It鈥檚 challenging, and I like working outside.鈥�
All winners received prizes related to their course, a goodie bag, and a certificate.
Every single award was sponsored by a local or national company.
One sponsor was Anne and David Baalham. Their son and brother (Mark) was a former student of the College who sadly passed away. They have sponsored an award in Mark鈥檚 memory for 40 years.
Food was provided by learners who are currently on courses studied via the 向日葵视频 Centre for Culinary Arts.
Holly Bide and Davia Fontellio-Smith sang songs during the ceremony, and performing arts learners sang numbers from their recent hit show called Heathers the Musical.