A STUDENT from Heart of Worcestershire College is celebrating after she was named as one of the winners of this year’s City and Guilds Medals of Excellence.

Samantha Alder, who is generally known as Sammie Jo, was given the award for her achievements and progression through her ITQ Level 2 course for IT users.

She said: “It’s an absolutely amazing feeling to have won the award. I couldn’t believe that I’d even been considered let alone chosen. It’s an overwhelming feeling but I’m really pleased.”

This is the fourth time a student from the college has won the award, competing against 1.8 million other students across the United Kingdom.

Alexander Gwinn, IT skills centre leader at Heart of Worcestershire College, added: “Since Sammie Jo has been on the ITQ course, her progression has been excellent, and she has surprised and impressed all the staff that has had the pleasure to teach her. It was clear from the moment Sammie Jo started the course that she wanted to achieve the highest marks in her qualification as possible. She achieved 100 per cent in many of her assignments, equivalent of distinctions, showing her immediate flare for information technology and her dedication to her education and we’re thrilled that her hard work has been recognised with this award.”