MORE than 350 students, family and friends celebrated the achievements of students from Foxes Academy, Minehead's specialist college and training hotel. They packed into the Crazy Horse venue at Butlin's for a glittering graduation ceremony and to listen to this year's guest speaker Nigel Way, the owner of the Luttrell Arms in Dunster. Mr Way, who also owns the Royal Castle Hotel in Dartmouth and the Royal Seven Stars Hotel in Totnes, will soon be employing Foxes leaver Amy Clayson in the Luttrell's housekeeping department. Former student Olivia Watkins also spoke about her life since leaving the academy and how she had used new-found skills to live independently and find two jobs. The ceremony included a video of the academy's choir performing Pharrell Williams' Happy and a performance of Fairytales Have Talent by members of the Foxavision Drama Club. The presentations to the third year leavers were made by Mr Way and directors Sue Jenkins and Maureen Tyler-Moore. Best newcomer when to Tanya Korrison, the award for personal achievement in NVQ hospitality and catering was given to Molly Gregg and catering and cooking went to Daniel Weston. The transition award was presented to Charlie Riley and the top three outstanding learner awards were given to Sarah Merriman, Claudia Booth and Liam Grant. Ms Tyler-Moore reminded parents about the huge challenges facing young adults with disabilities when planning their further education. Academy principal Sharon Bowden said she was immensely proud of the students' success. "The most important thing is the different we make to young people in all areas of their lives through our personalised learning programmes. "The individual success stories speak for themselves and they provide huge inspiration for all of us," she said. The ceremony was followed later in the evening with a seaside-themed graduation ball. More pictures in the Free Press. Photos: Christopher Waywell