MORTAR boards were thrown ‘hi-de-hi’ as students from Aurora Foxes hospitality and catering college, Minehead, celebrated their graduation day in the town’s Butlin’s holiday resort.

The 24 graduating students were joined by more than 250 fellow students, teachers, family, and friends to mark the occasion.

Aurora Foxes is a specialist college for young people with special educational needs and disabilities and has a fully-operational hotel where students gain practical experience in hospitality as well as building the confidence to succeed in future employment.

Guest speaker for the ceremony was Hilton UK and Ireland managing director Steve Cassidy, with whom Aurora Foxes recently celebrated the 10th anniversary of a partnership which has seen the prestigious hotel chain create work placements and support individuals with learning disabilities to launch successful careers in the company’s hotels.

Mr Cassidy said: “It was an honour to attend the graduation ceremony and celebrate the achievements of this year’s inspiring graduates.

“It was great to see their confidence, resilience, and purpose, which will carry them a long way as they look to embark on a career in the hospitality industry.”

Mr Cassidy presented two new student awards, the Waldorf Hilton Award for Service Excellence, won by Arianna Harkin, and another recognising culinary excellence, won by Ashley Garrard.

Later, the graduates and their families and friends were treated to a ‘Wild West’ theme drinks reception in the college featuring themed cocktails and mocktails created by Hilton staff.

The day finished with a disco in Minehead Rugby Clubhouse.

Foxes administration and marketing assistant Florence Whittaker said it had been a wonderful event, the culmination of much effort.

Ms Whittaker said: “The feedback we had from the graduates and their families was incredibly positive.”

Aurora Foxes principal Mark Costello said it was a privilege to watch his students ‘learn, try, stumble, rise again, and achieve things some of you once thought was beyond your reach’.

Several students will now move on to employment with the Hilton group, including Josh Alexander, Maija Burke, and Molly Byrne, whose places were secured following successful Easter work placements.

Other Aurora Foxes graduates have secured roles with a range of local and national employers, while some have chosen to pursue apprenticeships, supported internships, or volunteering opportunities in their local communities.

Mr Costello said: “These varied and meaningful destinations reflect the strength of the college’s transition support and the determination of its students to take confident steps into adulthood.

“Each pathway represents a significant achievement and a positive move toward greater independence and inclusion in the workplace and wider society.”

Full list of graduate award winners: Skills for Life Award, Ashley Garrard; Progress Award, James Hamilton and Zoe Firth; Work Ethic Award, Maija Burke; Team Player Award, Josh Alexander; Future Ready Award, George Warren; Empowerment Award, Shelby Barlow and Lucy Edwards-Handley; Resilience Award, Eli Bucher; Quiet Leader Award, Kinvara Montgomerie; Kindness and Good Friend Award (student-nominated), Hugo Gilmartin and Michael Torrens; Outstanding Work Experience Award, George Warren, Sophie Haque, Maija Burke, Elissa Warren; Hospitality Star Award, Faith West; Work Ready/Life Ready Award, Arianna Harkin.