Island learners honoured at community awards evening
Published: 17 October 2025
A heart-warming celebration of achievement took place recently at The Learning Centre in Westridge, Ryde, as adult learners from across the Isle of Wight were recognised for their dedication and success.
Hosted by the Isle of Wight Council’s Adult Community Learning Service, the awards evening saw 13 individuals honoured for their progress across a wide range of subjects — from functional skills and technology to personal development and family learning.
The event was a chance to shine a light on the inspiring stories of local people who have embraced learning later in life, often overcoming personal challenges to do so.
Among the highlights was the presentation of the Laura Groves Award for Community and Family Involvement, given in memory of the much-loved Downside Middle School teacher. This year’s recipient was Sharon Groves of Blackberry Lane Preschool and Nursery, nominated by manager Debbie Gibson.
“Sharon doesn’t accept thanks or praise easily,” said Debbie. “She always says she’s ‘just doing her job’, but this award is a wonderful way to recognise the difference she’s made to so many children and families.”
Mark Andre, site manager at St Helens Primary School, was highly commended in the same category. Headteacher Carl Wake said: “Mark goes above and beyond in every sense of the word — he truly deserves this recognition.”
Other winners on the night included:
- Waltraud Girle, who received the Learning Through Functional Skills award for her commitment and transformation over the past year. Highly commended were Emily Boulter and Jacob Roach.
- Rodney Archer, honoured for Learning Through Technology. A retired learner, Rodney has developed skills he now shares with his community in Chale. Carrie Lacey was highly commended.
- Felicity Munoz, winner of the Learning for Work award, completed a course with Bodster Equine Assisted Learning Centre and now works as a midday supervisor at a local school. Jimi Cameron was highly commended.
- Charlotte Wright, highly commended in Learning for Personal Achievement, overcame anxiety and dyslexia to earn her Level 3 teaching qualification. Matthew Tricker also received a commendation.
- Kelsey Denness, winner of the Learning Within the Family award, joined a Relax Kids course to support her son with ADHD and ASD, showing resilience despite mobility challenges.
- Norman Spence, a dedicated volunteer, received the Special Achievement award for his work supporting functional skills learners and developing exam support software.
Presenting the awards, Councillor Ian Dore, chairman of the Isle of Wight Council, praised the learners and staff for their commitment to lifelong learning.
“Honestly, this was really emotional. Every individual had something from their own personal story, that I’ve had an experience of in some way shape or form," he said.
"Composure was tricky as this wasn’t just an awards ceremony, it was an insight to personal triumph. Story after story of how individuals with support from amazing teams, overcame incredible challenges, demonstrating incredible levels of resilience and perseverance.
"The Adult Community Learning Service, is a jewel in the council's crown and the team there, always going above and beyond. As for the learners themselves, amazing individuals, who I hope are very proud of what they have achieved. “