A talented Stone student who is hoping to study at Oxford scooped a top award at a college’s “Oscars” night.
English student Chris Smith was among students honoured at Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College’s annual prize presentation ceremony.
Leaders from industry, commerce and the education sector attended the ceremony at the college in Leek Road, Stoke.
A total of 20 prizes were awarded to students aged between 16 and 18 some of whom have shone academically, some who have triumphed over adversity or have made extraordinary contributions to college life.
Awarding Chris the Mary Bishop Prize for English, his tutors paid tribute to his hard work and his mastery of the English language.
They said: “Chris has worked admirably throughout his time here at college. Chris joined the college once the first term was already underway and so he initially had to deal with the hurdle of first catching up before he could even keep up! But it did not take him long to master the literary texts, their contexts and their contents. He did this with aplomb.
“One teacher, at least, appreciated having someone in the room who would understand the dry humour which was occasionally on offer. Chris was often the only one who got it; the rest of the class must have thought Chris’ occasional private chuckles were either the sign of some impending insanity or a pointer to a deep and rich inner life of glee.
“And so, with the urbane sophistication of a young Ustinov and the honed turn of phrase of an aspiring Wilde, Chris mastered his studies and approached his recent Oxford entrance exam with maturity, tenacity and talent.
“Whatever the next steps for Chris, we are certain that he will proceed with a quiet humour and intelligent perceptivity to the foibles and follies of modern life, his own included. Well done Chris.”
The awards presentation evening celebrates the achievements of current students, while a further awards event in May will celebrate the success of former students.
