STUDENTS from Minehead's Foxes Academy celebrated their achievements when they took to the stage at the town's Regal Theatre last week. The annual graduation ceremony for the academy, which helps people with a range of disabilities develop workplace skills, was a chance for principal Maureen Tyler-Moore to praise not only the success of students but also the efforts of staff, a high percentage of whom have also achieved training and development awards in the past year. The Suzy Pankhurst award for best newcomer went to Howard James, while the coveted title of outstanding student was presented to Hannah McNicholl. Guest speaker Val MacKenzie presented the awards, watched by a packed theatre of students' families and friends. The ceremony closed with song and dance routines performed by the students, who later headed off to the Hobby Horse Inn for their graduation ball. Around 300 people enjoyed barn dancing to Hobson's Choice, followed by Nightfly Disco, at the event, which had a Scrumpy and Western theme. Award winners were: Second year - essential skills - Polly Eardley, Frances McClellan, Sarah Murchie, Laura Parrott, Gemma Portlock, Laura Powell. Jessica Sinclair, Aaron South, Charly Brough, Emma Hallett, Suzanne James, Suzanna Keal, Suzanna Lewis, Adam March, James Morey, Stuart Roberts, Natashi Willi. Third year - Jane Beresford, Simon Goacher, Daniel Wyatt, Ben Seaman, Katherine Dale-Staples, Carly Langman, Suzanne Rowley (catering and hospitality level one, food hygiene course, specific skills award); Hannah McNicholl, Jonathan Pugh, Lisa Kelly, Abigail Meech, Lisa Saunders, Christopher Burton, Oliver Hockman, Kerrie Powell (specific skills award, catering and hospitality level one, foundation certificate in food hygiene), Alexander Townsend (catering and hospitality level one, foundation certificate in food hygiene). Photo: Steve Guscott.