Olympic athlete Donna Fraser helped more than 60 students celebrate a year of success at Croydon College’s annual award evening.

The four-time Olympian and five-time world championships athlete presented awards to students demonstrating strength of character and success academically and personally.

Marie Manzeka scooped the Principal’s Award in recognition of her outstanding achievement juggling three young daughters while completing her child care diploma.

She was picked by principal Mariane Cavalli for her commitment to learning, determination to succeed and always having a smile on her face.

Other award winners were chosen for their excellent grades, attendance and punctuality, and success overcoming learning difficulties and troubles in their personal life.

The principal said: “The academic year 2008/09 was yet another successful one with our overall success rates at their highest ever, placing us in the top 10 per cent of colleges nationally.

“It also saw the College graded as ‘good’ with many ‘outstanding’ features by Ofsted.

“So, 2008/09 was a great year for the College and a great year for you our award winners.

“Your achievements are shared by all of us. Your successes are what lie behind the statistics we are so proud of.”

Music technology students Evie Fishman and Hannah de Silva sang at the event, accompanied by the Croydon College contemporary choir.