Celebratory Dinner at Scholars in Recognition of Fabulous Gold and Silver at UK Skills

Oswestry, United Kingdom, December 20, 2014 --(PR.com)-- Cherida Lauriello and Natalie Powles were treated to a celebratory dinner last night at the College’s Scholars Restaurant in recognition of their amazing recent achievement. The students won a fantastic gold and silver medal respectively at the prestigious UK Skills Competition last month, part of the bigger World Skills competition. Cherida and Natalie were both Level 3 Spa Beauty Therapy students at the Oswestry Campus of Walford and North Shropshire College (WNSC).

Cherida and Natalie won regional heats and then represented the College at the UK Skills Final in Birmingham. The students had to perform an Aromatherapy Massage for an hour and a half under the watchful eye of the judges. There were ten UK finalists within the Category and the girls came up against fierce competition from students from much bigger colleges and private academies. The girls found out they had won when they attended a formal celebration evening at Birmingham’s LG Arena.

Sharon Cooper, Head of Commercial Services commented, "This is an outstanding result for the students to win both gold and silver within the same category and be the top two out of the whole of the UK. Credit needs to go the students, and the staff who have given their dedication and commitment to support the girls throughout the competition. We wanted to acknowledge their amazing achievement by inviting the students in with their parents, together with staff to celebrate with a special evening at our Scholars Restaurant."

Students at Scholars Restaurant gave up their time to cook and serve at this special dinner. The whole college has truly been amazed by Cherida and Natalie’s story. Phil Bell, Catering Tutor commented, "Students volunteered to work at this special event, it is fantastic to recognise student achievement in other departments. I’d like to thank the students who worked on the evening, it was a huge success."

Cherida said of her win, "I am absolutely delighted! It’s amazing to know I am number one in the UK for Aromatherapy. I feel fulfilled and that all my hard work has paid off." Natalie said of her silver medal, "It’s been an honour to have the opportunity to represent the College and my business. It’s been a brilliant experience. I work really hard to show my dedication and professionalism in my work and I am pleased the judges recognised this."

Cherida and Natalie were both Level 3 Beauty Spa Therapy students at the College and completed their qualification this summer. They have both gone on to own their own business. Cherida’s business is called, ‘Lauriello Lifestyle’ and is currently located in the Hair Boutique in Wrexham. Natalie’s business is called ‘Ciao Belle’ and is within Base Camp in Ellesmere. Natalie plans to offer hairdressing in the near future and is currently studying her level 2 Hairdressing qualification at WNSC.

If you are inspired by this story and would like to be a part of the Visage or Scholars Department in September 2015, you can apply now for hair and beauty and hospitality and catering courses at WNSC. Visit the website at www.wnsc.ac.uk or call the Admissions Team on 01691 688080.