Yeovil College University Centre welcomed students to Westlands Entertainment Venue to celebrate the long-awaited graduation ceremony. The rare award of an Honorary Fellowship was given to Joanna Roundell Greene for her exceptional contributions to our local community and joins an exclusive membership of Yeovil College fellows. Friends, family and key partners, including guest speaker Nick Whitney, Mayor of Yeovil Cllr Evie Potts-Jones and councillors watched as students graduated from a wide range of qualifications including Honours Degrees, Foundation Degrees, Diplomas, Professional Certificates and Postgraduate qualifications. A select number of students were recognised alongside the graduation, for achievements in engineering, childcare and sporting excellence. Student speaker Tim Osborn said: “We have been students and staff together through one of the largest changes in teaching ever. Learning from desks, sofas, kitchens and gardens around the country, receiving teaching delivered from spare rooms, dining tables and anywhere else in the house. “Whether in the business of a family home or the silence of living alone, each one of us has stood and faced a unique situation with unique challenges. Staff and students alike have had to be glued to screens for hours on end. Some have thrived… some have struggled through. Whichever was the case, together we have proved that we are adaptable, persistent, strong and capable of big things. For that we should all be proud.” Mark Bolton, Principal and CEO of Yeovil College, said: “This is a graduation like no other in our history. After a significant gap of being able to be together in the same room, cancelled events and postposed celebrations, today we are celebrating the successes of two groups, our 2020 and our 2021 cohort. “I have no doubt that all speakers today will reflect on the challenge of the last two years. You have been through a time like no other, but your tenacity, resilience and sheer determination has got you to this point. “You have persevered, you have adapted, you have stepped up. “You have done it; you have achieved all that you truly deserve and today we celebrate each and every one of you. “Your graduation ceremony may feel like the final step of your Yeovil College University Centre journey, but this is a connection that will last a lifetime.”