A YOUNG chef was offered a taste of victory after being awarded a prestigious college award.
Darlington College student Charlotte Madley was presented with the Principal’s Award at a glittering spectacular staged at the town’s Hullabaloo Theatre. She also collected the Outstanding Hospitality and Catering Student and Curriculum Managers Choice awards.
The 18-year-old, of Middleton Tyas, was described by tutors as an ‘amazing and resilient’ student.
Her citation read: “She has overcome some very debilitating medical conditions to succeed in everything she has set her mind to this year. She has exceeded her initial course enrolment, completing her Level 2 culinary skills certificate and then progressing onto and completing her Level 2 diploma in culinary skills.”
Charlotte also won a national competition this year competing in Venice where from a secret box of ingredients she had three hours to prepare and serve a main course and dessert in an annual CombiGuru competition staged by Unox. She was judged on preparation, cooking techniques, plating of the dishes and the taste of the food.
As well as claiming the title she also won a bespoke Italian made knife set, a pizza preparation course in Birmingham and a £10,000 combination oven for the college’s pastry kitchen.
Charlotte, who is staying at college to study her Level 3 Diploma in Professional Cookery while also working at Middleton Lodge, said: “I wasn’t expecting to win so I am delighted. I’d love to use the catering skills I have learned to travel the world, perhaps starting in Canada.”
Principal David Gartland said: “We live in a world where people are trying to divide us. But people can also make a difference and in this college we have incredible students, parents and carers and staff.
“Students have done some amazing things and I know they will go on to do even more amazing things. They will go into the world to make a positive difference and we need you now more than ever.”
Student Robert Mills received the Outstanding Public Services Student and Curriculum Managers Choice Award as well as a special accolade for resilience.
His citation read: “Bobby is not only respected for his work ethic, but also for his character. He brings a fantastic sense of humour to the group and has an innate ability to lift spirits and lighten the mood when needed. This quality, combined with his warmth and positivity, has made him a very popular and much-loved member of the group.”
Other award winners were: Keziah Stevens for Outstanding Hairdressing Student; Bailey Appleby for Outstanding Sports Student; Gemma Eddy for Outstanding Student 19+; Jasmine Wilkinson for Outstanding Education & Early Years Student; Carnell Kaycee Mujiwa for Outstanding Engineering Student; David Bell for Outstanding Student 19+ Category; Leona Milne for Curriculum Managers Choice Award; Hollie Vayro for Outstanding Bricklaying Student; Rizwan Gujjar for Outstanding Plumbing Student; Oliver Holmes for Curriculum Managers Choice Award; Harrison Flint for Outstanding Games Design Student; Katie Buchan for Outstanding Student 19+ Category; Fatoumatta Sisay for Curriculum Managers Choice Award; Scott Walkden for Outstanding Adult Skills Award; Ellie Collins for Outstanding GCSE English Student; Ruaidhri McCarron for Next Steps Most Improved Award.