Chichester College celebrates its Stars of 2023

The outstanding achievements of students and staff at Chichester College were celebrated during a phenomenal night of celebration.

Nearly 30 students and members of staff scooped awards at the college’s ‘Stars of 2023’ on Wednesday 6 December, at the Minerva Theatre. 
 
The night saw the college pay tribute to their hard work, determination and accomplishments over the past year. 
 
Performers from Theatre Inc, the college’s inclusive theatre company, opened the event in style with an emotional and inspiring mash-up of songs called ‘UniQ’ – in keeping with the evening’s ‘Uniquely You’ theme. 
 
And further performances from the college’s talented dance, fashion and performing arts students brought the ceremony to life, with several show-stopping numbers including fabulous renditions of ‘You Will Be Found’ (from ‘Dear Evan Hanson’) and ‘Come Alive’ (from ‘The Greatest Showman’).  
 
Guests and winners were also treated to a beautiful dance performance and fashion showcase produced by students at the college.  
 
It was a true student affair; hair and make-up students styled performers ahead of the show while the college’s stage management students staged the show. 
 
The night, however, belonged to Josh McPeake, who was named Chichester College’s Brightest Star of 2023. 
 
Josh has recently come to the end of his level 3 Esports diploma, achieving a triple ‘Merit’ grade. Throughout his time at college, he went above and beyond – always willing to support classmates and tutors. Even now, having completed his studies and in full-time employment, he continues to volunteer to support the college’s Esports team, Chi Cobras, as a valued member of the production team.  
 
He said: “I wasn’t expecting this at all. I wasn’t expecting to win an award at all, let alone the Brightest Star! 
 
“This is something I’m going to be holding on to for a while. 
 
“All the stuff I’ve done with the college, in or out of hours, has been an absolute pleasure. Having both Matt Creed and Matt Williams supporting me, they’ve become more than lecturers. They are really passionate about Esports and being able to a part of that is just great. 
 
“For anyone who is passionate about Esports industry, Chichester College has a host of facilities that can cater to those needs. And just being part of a group like Chi Cobras has been really nice for me, and I’ve been really proud to represent them. 
 
Helen Loftus, Principal of Chichester College, hosted the evening alongside Vice Principals Frances Mullen and Julia Williams. They were joined by Andrew Green, Chief Executive of the Chichester College Group, who presented the Brightest Star Award. 
 
Helen said: “This was an amazing night of celebration. 
 
“It was absolutely wonderful to see so much talent, both on and off stage, and to hear the stories of our students. 
 
“This event highlights the difference that the incredible staff at Chichester College make to our students, apprentices and colleagues each and every day. It was really quite humbling. 
 
“My congratulations to all of our winners, especially Josh – a deserving Brightest Star winner – and my thanks to everyone who worked so hard to make our Stars of 2023 evening such a superb event.”