29 July
Aurora Foxes' graduation ceremony celebrates growth
‘Progress not perfection’ was celebrated at a graduation ceremony for students at the specialist hospitality and catering college in Minehead and held at the town’s holiday resort Butlin’s.
In his introduction, Aurora Foxes’ Principal Mark Costello spoke about the many small moments students experience at the college that can instill feelings of confidence, which in turn can lead to independence and then opportunity.
He said: “The success of our students is built on thousands of moments that often go unseen, like catching a bus independently for the first time or who finds the confidence to answer the phone. When I look across this stage today, I don't see perfection. I see hundreds of moments like those. I see progress. And that is what we celebrate.”
Guest speaker at the graduation ceremony was Hilton HR Operations Manager for UK and Ireland Esther Brittan MBE who said it was a privilege to attend the event.
Last year saw Hilton and Aurora Foxes celebrate the 10th anniversary of a partnership that’s seen the prestigious hotel chain create work placements and support individuals with learning disabilities to launch successful careers in the company’s hotels.
In her speech, Mrs Brittan highlighted the many ways Hilton and Aurora Foxes had collaborated during the past year including co-hosting the recent NATSPEC conference in Birmingham and celebrating World Down Syndrome Day in March.
“What Hilton and Foxes have is more than a partnership – it’s more of a community. We see it as an extension of our business.”
Addressing the graduates, Mrs Brittan said: “Today is not only a celebration of what you’ve achieved, it’s also a celebration of what’s to come. You are helping create a future where more people can see what’s possible. Hilton is proud of you and grateful to be part of your journey.”
This year saw the partnership reach a significant milestone, exceeding 100 placement opportunities for Foxes students hosted in Hilton hotels across the UK.
These included graduate Hannah, who was offered work experience doing front of house and room service at DoubleTree by Hilton at Manchester Airport at Easter and has since been offered a job there.
She said: “After Easter, Hilton contacted me to offer me a job. That meant everything to me."
"The experiences I’ve had at Aurora Foxes have been remarkable and I’m excited about my new job.” Hannah, Foxes graduate.
Graduate Rebecca, who has been at Foxes for three years, received the Resilience Award at the ceremony. During her time at Foxes she had a number of work placements including at the Hilton Hotel at Bristol Airport, the Stroke Club at Minehead Rugby Club and at the NATSPEC Conference in Birmingham. She said: “I was nervous going to the placements but my resilience enabled me to deliver some great customer care.”
Rebecca’s mum Caroline said Foxes was a “fantastic opportunity” for her daughter. “We’ve watched her grow in confidence and we see this at home and when we go out as a family,” said Caroline. “Rebecca’s so positive about Foxes which shows just how much she’s loved it here. She leaves with a full range of skills, not just hospitality but life skills too.”
Graduate Thomas said he’s made many friends while at Foxes and enjoyed working at the hotel. “I’ve learned to be more confident, kind and helpful,” said Thomas, “and I now feel equipped to go out into the world.”
Student Will said he enjoyed the graduation ceremony and said he was proud of his friends who won special awards. He said: “The past two years at Foxes has taught me a range of functional skills and this has helped me become more independent.”
During the graduation ceremony, tribute was paid to Maureen Tyler-Moore, founder of Foxes, who died in December. Mr Costello said: “The college we know today exists because of her courage, determination and vision. As we celebrate our graduates this morning, we do so with gratitude for everything she created and everything she stood for.”
Patricia Mahon, General Manager at Hilton London Kensington, where three Foxes students work, presented two special awards at the ceremony: the Waldorf Hilton Award for Service Excellence, won by Hannah; and another recognising culinary excellence, won by Chris.
The full list of graduate award winners is: Skills for Life Award, Frey; Progress Award, Sean; Work Ethic Award, Tristan; Team Player Award, Harry; Future Ready Award, Monique; Empowerment Award, Sadie; Resilience Award, Rebecca; Quiet Leader Award, Oriana; Kindness and Good Friend Award, Oscar; Outstanding Work Experience Award, Finley; Hospitality Star Award, Scarlett; Work Ready Award, Hannah.
Staff recognition award went to House Manager Nina Patrick.
The full list of those recognised at the ceremony: Abby, Alex, Amelie, Ben, Charlie, Christopher, Dillon, Ella, Ethan, Finley, Frey, Hannah, Harry, Joshua, Leila-Rose, Louis, Max, Monique, Natasha, Nathan, Oriana, Oscar, Rebecca, Sadie, Scarlett, Sean, Skye, Theo, Thomas, Tristan, William and Zephan.
