HSDC is extremely proud to celebrate the fantastic achievements of nine outstanding students from all three campuses, whose dedication, resilience, empathy, strength and kindness have defined the past academic year.
From A Level excellence to vocational success and fundraising to student journalism, these individuals embody the diverse strengths and ambitions of the entire HSDC student body. Their success is a testament, not only to their individual determination, but to the support and opportunities available to all who study at HSDC.
Speaking about the achievements of these students, Suki Dhesi, Deputy Principal for Curriculum and Quality said:
“Massive congratulations to our super successful students! From community campaigns to creative arts, sporting dedication to digital innovation – they’ve shown what passion, purpose and perseverance look like in motion. What an incredible lineup of young trailblazers who emulate HSDC’s values; we are a college that helps our students achieve their dreams, no matter how big they are!”
Joshua Thomas
Joshua’s first year on the Public & Defence Services course at Alton College was marked by a true commitment to developing his skills in the field of outdoor activities. His proficiency, leadership, professionalism and personal development did not go unnoticed, and at the end of the academic year, Joshua received the Alton College Foundation’s 2025 Award for Skills in Land-Based Outdoor Adventurous Activities.
Joshua Thomas receiving his award.
Joshua was presented with this prestigious award at HSDC’s annual PDS Pass-Off Parade, where he was able to showcase the culmination of his hard work and rigorous physical training. He is a model student at Alton, and everyone at the College is incredibly proud of his achievements and can’t wait to see where second year takes him.
Amelia Keeley
Despite having to travel a considerable distance every day to get to HSDC’s South Downs Campus, Amelia showcased incredible determination to maintain an exceptional attendance record.
Amelia with her Student of the Year Award.
Not only this, Amelia excelled on her course and won the Solent University CIOB Design Challenge in January, competing against students from Higher Education. She also delivered a superb project presentation to a panel of industry professionals. Amelia’s fantastic achievements over the past academic year earned her the overall HSDC Student of the Year Award. At the awards ceremony, Amelia’s lecturers were full of praise for her success, and wished her all the best for the future.
Cadellin Thomas
Cadellin’s contributions to student life at Havant Campus have been truly extraordinary during his time at college. As Marketing Officer of the Student Union, Cadellin revived the student magazine, rebranding it to Magpie.
Cadellin won the HSDC Student of the Year for Contribution to Student Union and College Life.
Since this revival, student-led journalism at Havant has grown into a very strong community, ensuring that every learner has the opportunity to have their voice heard. Magpie has become a staple of student life at HSDC, providing a dynamic, engaging and welcoming environment for writers of all levels. Cadellin’s revival of the magazine earned him the award for Student of the Year for Contribution to Student Union and College Life, and he has worked tirelessly to ensure the magazine continues to play an important role after he leaves the College.
Tegan Peers-Holland
Tegan, a second year Sport student at Alton College, has been nothing short of fantastic during her time at HSDC. She has not only excelled academically (completing the course at the highest grade possible – D*D*D*), but has dedicated her spare time to helping others. From assisting other students on the course to helping to lead and coach the College’s netball team, Tegan’s extracurricular commitment is truly outstanding.
Tegan won the Alton College Student of the Year Award thanks to her excellent academic and extra-curricular commitment.
She has also been involved in local school sporting events, helped out at Open Evenings, given talks at secondary schools, coached as a swimming teacher and even raised over £1000 for charity during a 12 hour netball match that she organised. A true model student, Tegan was recognised for her excellence at the Alton College Awards, and received the award for Student of the Year.
James McIntosh
As a second year student on the Creative Media Production – Journalism and Digital Communications course at South Downs, James was excellent both in and out of the classroom. An aspiring journalist, James has already built an impressive portfolio of work, including daily Instagram posts, podcasts and interviews. He also heads up media operations at Gosport Borough FC, and has even interviewed Portsmouth FC manager John Mousinho.
James interviewing Portsmouth FC manager John Mousinho.
James’ fantastic extracurricular commitment earned him a nomination for ‘Best Young Content Creator’ at the Football Content Awards, which took place at White Hart Lane earlier in the academic year. Despite narrowly missing out on the top prize, James’ determination to succeed has stood him in good stead to succeed in the media industry in the future.
Theo Panayiotou
Theo is a second year Uniformed & Public Services student at Alton College, and truly represents Alton’s goal to be a true hub for the local community. April 2 was World Autism Awareness Day, and Theo organised a fundraiser to mark this special occasion. He set up a stand in the College refectory, where he was able to talk to fellow Alton students and staff about his experiences with autism, the challenges he has overcome and his accomplishments.
Theo with his Autism Awareness stand.
Overall, Theo raised £125 for the National Autism Society, a truly fantastic achievement that exemplifies his commitment to excellence. Speaking about event, Theo said:
“I was really amazed by the number of Alton College students that visited my autism stand. I really enjoyed talking to them about autism and showing them an article I had written. We also gave them free cakes! It was a fantastic event and I want to say a massive thank you to everyone who helped me with this. It shows that even with autism, people have the ability to shine and make great things happen.”
Mackenzie Bird
Mackenzie, who studies A Levels in Politics, Law and Classical Civilisation at Havant Campus, is a true inspiration to everyone at HSDC. Not only is Mackenzie an outstanding student, but she also dedicates much of her time outside of college to helping young people. As Chair of the Youth Cabinet, Mackenzie provides platforms for the youth to be heard in key decision-making processes, and she is also a youth ambassador for Solent NHS to advocate for mental health awareness.
Mackenzie won the Inspirational Young Person of Portsmouth Award.
Mackenzie also works as a youth adviser for Motiv8, providing support, guidance and opportunities for vulnerable young people. Earlier this year, Mackenzie received the Inspirational Young Person of Portsmouth Award as a recognition of her tireless work for Portsmouth’s youth.
Josh Wiles
Every year, the HSDC community marks Remembrance Day with a moving memorial service at South Downs Campus. The service is performed in memory of Royal Marine Richard Hollington, who studied at South Downs from 2003-2005, and gave his life for his country in Afghanistan in 2010. An award in Richard’s honour is given out every year, and this year it went to Josh Wiles, a student on the Public Services course.
Josh received the Richard Hollington Award.
Sam Game, Head of Faculty for Public Services at South Downs, presented the Richard Hollington Award to Josh as a result of his exceptional teamwork, leadership and discipline. Sam said:
“Josh embodies everything that the Richard Hollington Award celebrates. He has demonstrated an extraordinary depth of humility, understanding and collaboration among his peers.”
Fin Bunce
Fin is an exceptional student who has recently completed the Extended Diploma in Film & TV Production at Alton College. His passion for the course led to him organising the production of a promotional video, which is now used on official HSDC channels to market Film & TV at Alton! The video shows off Alton’s fantastic facilities, and was narrated by Fin himself.
Fin on the set of the promotional video.
Fin also helped to film and edit the video, and hopes to study Film Production at university after taking a gap year. The passion that Fin has demonstrated for his course is extraordinary, and he should be very proud of all of his hard work. HSDC wishes him all the best for the future!