Animal Management student Tristen Peck from Penistone is celebrating after winning a Barnsley College Excellence Award. Tristen, 19, impressed the judges with her high aspirations and attitude to learning, scooping the Land Based Industries departmental award at the event held at the Barnsley Metrodome. She is on target to complete her Level 3 programme with the highest possible grade profile, triple distinction star, and will be heading off to University in September to study Animal Behaviour and Welfare. Tristen and other students from Barnsley College were joined by staff, local dignitaries and sponsors as they celebrated their achievements at the fourth annual Barnsley College Excellence Awards. The awards ceremony saw a total of 27 awards presented, including awards for each College department and cross College awards such as Apprentice of the Year, Adult Learner of the Year, Youth Achievement and Youth Progress. Former Penistone Grammar School pupil Tristen said: “I’m honoured to have won the Land Based Industries Award – it was an amazing feeling to know that my hard work and commitment to my studies has been recognised. The awards ceremony was a great night and a fitting way to mark the end of a brilliant two years at Barnsley College.” Guests enjoyed a three course meal and entertainment including dancers, a violinist, an opera singer and diablo performance, all provided by students from the College’s Faculty of Arts, Media and Entertainment. Barnsley Central MP Dan Jarvis was the keynote speaker, talking to guests about his career, how education has helped him achieve his goals and why we should all be proud of Barnsley. Dan said: “I was honoured to be the keynote speaker at the Barnsley College Excellence Awards this year; I believe that events like this are an important part of the academic year. I am incredibly proud of Barnsley College, one of the best colleges in the country, right here in our town. The Excellence Awards offer the perfect opportunity to celebrate the hard work and achievements of our young people and the staff who support them and make it possible.” Barnsley College Principal Colin Booth added: “As always, our awards evening was a fantastic way to celebrate the amazing achievements of our students over the past year. This event is always one of the highlights of the year and it is thanks to the kind support of our sponsors that it is made possible. I am proud to be Principal of such a dynamic and high-achieving College and the Excellence Awards provide a fitting tribute to those students who go above and beyond in their studies and in College life.” This year’s awards evening also provided an opportunity for Colin Booth to present retiring Chair of Governors, Frank Johnston, with a token of appreciation for his ten years of service on the College Board. The event was made possible through the kind support of many local and national businesses including the Alhambra Centre; ASOS.com; ASUS UK; Barnsley Chronicle; Barnsley Football Club; Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust; Barnsley Premier Leisure; Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce; Ellisons; Enterprising Barnsley; Holiday Inn Barnsley; HK Projects; Jefferson Sheard Architects; John Laing Integrated Services; Medium Technologies; Osborne Technologies; Print Graphic; Rogers Geotechnical Services; University Campus Barnsley; and You Are Here Creative.