ACADEMIC achievement, sporting prowess, and dedication to learning in the face of adversity were rewarded at Harrow College's awards ceremony on Monday, July 1.

Students, their families and other guests packed the Elliott Hall at Harrow Arts Centre in Uxbridge Road, Hatch End, to hear the principal, Dr Barbara Field, say: "This is a fantastic celebration of student success throughout the college.

"It gives us an opportunity to recognise the courage and commitment, progress and perseverance of students who overcome huge obstacles to achieve their personal goals."

Trevor Bumfrey, chairman of the college governors, presented Nizar Nazal with the governors' award for outstanding achievement for achieving 100 per cent attendance and punctuality, despite being in a wheelchair. He was successful in his GCSEs and is now studying a GNVQ in information communication technology.

Among the other winners was Martin Saunders, the Harrow and Middlesex under-19 cross country champion, and Mellissa Myers of the college's netball team, who were named respectively sportsman and sportswoman of the year.

Edwin Stein, director of football at the Football Academy, made a surprise appearance to name Batista Lopes Valadao as the academy's player of the year.

The principal's awards for contribution to college life went to members of the students' union executive, the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme, and the Millennium Volunteer project, and fundraisers for Unicef.

July 9, 2002 16:30