Rotherham College student to follow in Howard Webb’s footsteps
A Media Production student at Rotherham College is taking inspiration from former 2010 World Cup Final referee Howard Webb.
Webb, who was recently awarded the Association of College’s (AoC) Gold Award, attended Rotherham College in 2005-2007 as an adult learner.
The AoC Gold Award recognises the achievements of successful and influential people who have attended further education.
As well as honouring college alumni, each nominating college of a Gold Award winner is asked to nominate a Future Star. These are current students who have similar career aspirations as the winner of the AoC Gold Award.
Alisia Angel, 19, is studying HNC in Creative Media Production at Rotherham College and was nominated for the Future Star Award by media tutor Sara Hall.
“I was really surprised when I found out I was nominated,” Alisia said.
“It’s great to be recognised for your potential and to be told you share similar career aspirations as Rotherham-born Howard Webb.
“What he’s achieved in his career is an inspiration to me. He has worked hard to get to the pinnacle of his career; something that I would love to do in my own career.”
The awards ceremony takes place on the 10th June at the House of Commons, where the winner of the Future Stars Award will receive a student grant to support their career aspirations.
Webb is unable to attend the event, which meant that Alisia and her fellow Media Production students worked with Howard to record his acceptance speech; which will be played at the awards.
“It was great to meet him and to film his acceptance speech,” Alisia said.
“It was a fantastic experience and because I have aspirations to become a director or script writer, it’s a project I can use as an example of working with a globally recognised figure.”
Sara Hall, Curriculum Leader of Media at Rotherham College, nominated Alisia for the award.
“Alisia is a worthy candidate for this award because her drive and determination to succeed are such an inspiration to others,” she said.
“By winning this award, Alisia would be able to use it as springboard for the future. It will really demonstrate to her and others what it really means to never give in and that determination is the key to success.
“We are exceptionally proud of Alisia and this award would help her to believe in herself and recognise that she is a true star.”
Everyone at Rotherham College would like to wish Alisia good luck at the AoC Awards at the House of Commons.