A night with the stars shining bright

A sparkling night of celebrations brought together students, staff, friends and family together for the annual Crawley College Star Awards ceremony at The Hawth Theatre.  

A combination of more than 20 students and members of staff, from Crawley College, received awards in recognition of their hard work, determination and exceptional achievements during the past year.  

The presentation came to a glistening finish when the college’s Brightest Star of 2022, Maria Christabelle Alexis, was announced to the proud theatre audience. 
  
She was recognised for the progression she has made the past six years in her early years’ education journey at Crawley College. Starting on the entry level course and working hard to reach her level 3 course, she has shown determination, motivation, and a new sense of confidence throughout this process. 

 Maria was lost for words but said: “This is so unexpected; I am so happy and thrilled to receive such an amazing award.  

“My family have supported me so much and I was feeling so down in the beginning of my studies and things have turned around so much.  

“I would never have believed you if you told me I would have been nominated let alone win this award at the beginning of my time here.”  

The evening was sponsored by Feedback, Mitsubishi Electric, Tilbury Douglas Construction and Sussex Media Group. 
 
It included an array of special performances and displays from the college’s performing arts and media students, student union as well as Theatre Inc’s rendition of ‘Sanctuary.’ 

Theatre Inc is a specialised performing arts training company set up by the Chichester College Group to support young performers living with disabilities and their musical talents received quite the applause on the night. 

 Once all the awards were rounded off, the audience were treated to an unexpected flash mob as performing arts students danced their way onto the stage for one last celebratory moment. 

 Sally Challis-Manning MBE, Principal at Crawley College, said: “It was our honour to celebrate our Stars of 2022 and to come together at The Hawth Theatre.  
 
“We heard some truly fantastic stories about our students and staff who really have gone above and beyond with their time here at Crawley College. 
 
“Our thanks also go to our headline sponsors Feedback, Mitsubishi Electric, Tilbury Douglas Construction and Sussex Media Group as well as the sponsors of our individual awards. Without their support, evenings like this simply wouldn’t be possible. 

“It was the perfect evening to acknowledge our stars – a huge congratulations to each and every one of them!”