MEET THE WINNERS 2008
Congratualtions to all of our Xcel Award winners 2008. Of the nominations we received, these individuals stood out as role models for students everywhere, from any background. Read these inspiring stories and remember, you too can XCEL at just about anything!
Built Environment winner, Suyanto Mahdiputra (right), with Sean McMahon (left) from My Choice London
Bonaventure Feka Ngode (left) winner of the Humanities award with Julian Davies from Uproar (right).
Kaushika Mistry (left) winner of the Science award with Deputy Mayor of London, Richard Barnes (right).
MEET THE WINNERS 2008
Alexander Rose - Xcel Student of the Year
“I was blown away when Colin from Barclays Capital called out my name as the overall winner. I was so happy that it kind of felt like a dream. I don’t work hard to win awards; I just do it because it’s the right thing to do. I want to succeed and go far in my life whilst encouraging others to do the same.” More...
Helen Wells - Xcel Student of Courage
“I’m just so honoured that I’ve been chosen for this award because there are so many people in this world that struggle and keep that strength but are not recognised for it yet. So this award’s not just about me, it’s about everyone.” More...
Suyanto Mahdiputra - Xcel Built Environment Student of the Year
“I am very lucky. It’s great that somebody else sees what I have done and that it’s a good thing to do.” More...
Bernadette Quick - Barclays Capital Xcel Business and Commerce Student of the Year
“I’m now confident that absolutely anything is possible and with the right motivation and support you can achieve anything really as I think I’ve proven.” More...
Alexander Rose - Xcel Creative Arts and Media Student of the Year-
“I decided I just had to do something. I turned to what I knew at the time, which was graphic design, and came up with a t-shirt design and a campaign called STOP.” More...
Josephine Gabi - Xcel Education Student of the Year
“I’m positive the awards will inspire other students who are facing challenges. I am compelled to borrow from Barack Obama; ‘Yes we can to success, to victory and to prosperity. Yes we can!” More...
Mohamed Zahras Duwahir - E-ON Xcel Engineering and Technology Student of the Year
“This award sets me up in a position to see how much I actually achieved, and encourages me to cross any hurdles I might come across in life. My family were pleased with me winning such a prestigious award on such a beautiful night in London.” More...
Samantha Smith - Xcel Healthcare Student of the Year
“Throughout her course, Samantha has developed into an outstanding professional children’s nurse and has grown into an admirable young woman who is an exemplary role model for anyone wanting to pursue their dream in the face of considerable challenges.” More...
Bonaventure Feka Ngode - Xcel Humanities Student of the Year
“From winning this award I picked up extra courage and after considering to drop out of university this year, I’m ever so determined now to see the end of the tunnel.” More...
Samah Farah - Xcel IT Computing and the Web Student of the Year
“I’m so happy to win this and I just want to say that I couldn’t have done this without the will to succeed, God’s blessing and my Mums’ prayers, so thanks God, and I love you Mum.” More...
Anne-Marie Goodreid - Xcel Law Student of the Year (joint winner)
“Whilst the award is in my name, I view it as a recognition of all the positive promotion of what is possible. Having my work publicly recognised at the Xcel Awards has, I hope, proved the maxim 'never say never'.” More...
Megan Phillips - Xcel Law Student of the Year (joint winner)
“Winning this award means a lot to me because people I know with Asperger Syndrome find it hard to complete university, but I managed it, with a First in Law and this award.” More...
Anna Nguyen - Xcel Performing Arts Student of the Year
“The award came at such a perfect time; I recently lost my father to cancer and so the last school year was horrendously difficult, having also played a part in a tragedy echoing my own raw reality. I have also had to balance looking after my mother and full rehearsals at drama school.” More...
Kaushika Mistry - Xcel Science Student of the Year
“I wanted to do something that would always interest me forever and one day I was just standing outside looking at the moon and stars and I just thought, hmmm, this is what I want to do. And that was it.” More...
Musawar Ahmad - Xcel Social Sciences Student of the Year
“It’s great to be recognised by the Xcel Awards for all the efforts I have put in to reach the level attained so far, for which my main driving force has been my family.” More...
Lee Greatbatch - Xcel Sports Student of the Year
“Celebrating students’ achievements is a great way to inspire others, especially those who might not think that they can achieve success academically because of disadvantage. There are always opportunities to try new things and my advice is to push yourself to your limits and step outside your comfort zone.” More...
