When Coleg Gwent lecturer and manager Peter Kay died suddenly on holiday in 2003, it was a shock to everyone; family, friends and colleagues. But seven years on, those close to him joined together, when his wife Michelle and her two children presented an award to a Coleg Gwent student in Peter’s memory.
Ex-Coleg Gwent A-level student David Cavell, 18 and originally from Blackwood, was presented with a cheque for £300 from a Trust in Peter Kay’s name, by Peter’s wife Michelle and their two children.
Michelle, who has returned to her homeland of Canada since Peter’s death but was back in Wales to visit family and friends, was joined by Peter’s former colleagues, as well as members of her family: “It’s so fitting to honour Peter in this way, it was lovely to have our children play a part in the ceremony as well as Peter’s former colleagues and friends. Peter thoroughly enjoyed teaching and the challenges of education and it was so important to him that every student was given the chance to succeed.”
David will put the money towards the cost of field trips for his degree in geographical sciences at the University of Leicester – where he has studies since gaining (insert grades) at A-level earlier this year.
Although the idea of the Trust came about shortly after Peter’s death, this is the first year that the award has been presented and the calibre of nominations was very high. Michelle was extremely pleased to be presenting the award to David: “David was a very worthy candidate, both in terms of achievement and appreciation.”
Michelle was impressed by the contribution David made to Crosskeys Campus both in and out of his lessons; he was instrumental in the College winning the BBC’s Student Question Time 2010, he was an active member in extracurricular activities and was dedicated to the welfare of other students at the Campus. David also overcame personal challenges when his mum was diagnosed with breast cancer – his mum is now in recovery. All this combined also swayed Michelle’s decision: “He deserved the award for not only the commitment he showed to his A-levels, but by also being a driving force behind so many different college activities, despite some difficult circumstances.”
David, who was nominated by Crosskeys Campus lecturer Rob Southall, was over the moon to receive the award, especially as he was selected from a group of nominees by Michelle. “This was the biggest award I could ever receive, said David. “Though I never met Peter, I feel so honoured to have been chosen for his award by Michelle, it really means so much.”
He continues: “The award is an important continuation of the brilliant work Peter did throughout his lifetime, helping and encouraging students like me to go on to university and showing us the value of education.
Peter started his career at the then Crosskeys College, where he worked for over 20 years, doing what he was passionate about – helping students to achieve their full potential. So when he died Michelle was keen to remain in touch with his colleagues and set up a trust so that Peter’s memory could continue to support students.
Crosskeys Campus Director Jennifer Jenkins said: “This is such an apt way of paying tribute to Peter and the work that he did whilst at Coleg Gwent, and continuing to help students in the spirit with which Peter did. David is such a deserving winner, he’s shown great determination to succeed in his education so far and we wish him all the best for the future.”
The Trust aims to annually recognise a Coleg Gwent student who has achieved at College – this is not exclusive to those who have achieved high grades, but also those who have gone the extra mile, or overcome barriers to learning.
Michelle concluded: “It’s really shown me how much Peter is still missed, and what a difference he made.”
