THREE former Queen Elizabeth's Academy, Crediton, students were among the 28 student award winners who celebrated in style at the Exeter College Student Awards 2012 - 2013 held at the Thistle Hotel, Exeter, last week in front of family, friends, college staff and local business and community leaders.

Louise Williams (19), from Tedburn St Mary, was honoured as the winner of the Reach Academy Student of the Year Award.

Described by her tutor as: "A fantastic ambassador for the Academy and the College, Louise exemplifies all that is outstanding about the College's Reach Academy, growing in confidence and gaining huge amounts from her experiences."

Louise, who left Queen Elizabeth's in June 2011, was nominated for her integral contribution to the Met Office Research Science Group, co-ordinating student-led research into air temperature readings and she presented this work to the Met Office and HRH Duke of York during his visit to Exeter last year.

Louise was joined on stage by Ralph James from the Met Office at the glittering event and she was presented with her award in front of her parents and college tutor by Crediton farmer, John Lee, the High Sheriff of Devon.

Returning from Oxford University, where she is reading Geography following her impressive A level results of five A* grades in Biology, Chemistry, English Literature, Geography and the Extended Project last summer, Louise said: "Having teachers who care is so important and I think that perhaps one day I might like to teach too, because I can now really see the value of it."

Another student who won an accolade for her commitment and enthusiasm for one of the College's elite academies was Joanna Cartwright (18), who combined A level and BTEC Diploma courses with an exemplary commitment to the Music Academy.

Joanna, from Crediton, enhanced her music studies at Exeter College by being part of the Chamber Orchestra, Jambassadors, Inspirational Choir and Chamber Choirs, performing in many of the external events organised through the college including the High Sheriff's garden party last summer.

She was nominated for the Music Academy Award not only for her combined work with creativity and personal goal setting, but also for forming an independent student group "Alteresque" with other Academy students, blossoming as songwriters and composers and representing the Academy at the Acoustical Festival, Summer Festival and National Bandstand performance at Exeter Quay.

"Despite her many achievements Joanna remained unassuming," said her tutor, adding "and was always intent on her own improvement and the support of others."

Describing how she enjoyed the unmatchable friendliness and colourful life in the music department, Joanna is now studying music at Hull and said: "My time at Exeter was the best two years of my life."

The third of the QE trio of stars at the event was honoured for her exceptional success and achievements as Apprentice of the Year.

Chelsea Crossman (18), from Zeal Monachorum, excelled first in her full time Healthcare course at Exeter College completing with the highest distinction star qualification and quickly progressed in her career when she was the first Clinical Healthcare Apprentice taken on by North Devon NHS Trust.

Chelsea is now working on a busy ward for patients with acute rehabilitation, medical and nursing needs at Exeter Community Hospital and was praised by her deputy matron for her enthusiasm and commitment to the role, growing in confidence and learning vital care skills and is noted as "a natural communicator, particularly with individuals experiencing dementia."

Presented with her award by Karime Hassan, chief executive of Exeter City Council, Chelsea went on to say: "I cannot imagine working anywhere else.

"I get excited about going to work every day and always leave with a smile on my face.

"It is nice to be supported by my classmates when I am in college and compare workplaces to mine."

The award categories at the gala event spanned across the college's broad curriculum, ranging from Higher Education, Adult Community Education, 14-16 Student, Apprentice of the Year to Sports Academy Student of the Year and many more.

Many of the award winners were nominated not just for their academic and technical achievements but often for their support for their peers with them being congratulated for team work and their positive contributions to class discussions and project work.

Richard Atkins, Principal of Exeter College, said: "Throughout the year faculties and departments hold a wide variety of events and award ceremonies but tonight we have invited the 'best of the best', the winners of the winners in many cases.

"Our winners reflect our unusually broad curriculum, incorporating academic excellence, outstanding vocational skills and foundation learning for young people and adults from right across Exeter, Devon, Torbay and West Dorset.

"What makes this such a great place are our students, who are our best ambassadors. Tonight's award winners represent all of our students and we're very proud of their successes."

John Lee praised the students, staff and families represented at the event and compared the impact of the college students as similar to the positive impact of the Olympic Gamesmakers, saying: "We can see on our doorstep the difference students make and the real gems we often miss."

The sponsors joining the college at the glittering evening were: Alcoa Howmet, Balfour Beatty, City and Guilds, Devon County Council, Exeter International Airport, Exeter Chamber of Commerce, Exeter City Football Club, Exeter City Council, Express and Echo, Foot Anstey, Jones Lang La Salle, John Lewis, the Met Office, Pearsons and Saxon Spence.