STUDENTS threw their mortar boards Hi-De-Hi as they celebrated completing their hospitality and catering courses.

Minehead Butlin’s was the venue for graduation day for 24 young people who were marking the completion of studies at Aurora Foxes Hospitality and Catering College.

They were joined by more than 250 fellow students, teachers, family and friends to mark the occasion.

Aurora Foxes is a specialist college for young people with special educational needs and disabilities and has a fully operational hotel, allowing students to gain practical experience in hospitality, as well as building confidence.

Guest speaker at the graduation was Steve Cassidy, senior vice president and MD of Hilton in the UK and Ireland.

Hilton and Aurora Foxes recently celebrated the 10th anniversary of a partnership that’s seen the hotel chain create work placements and support individuals with learning disabilities to launch careers with the firm.

As part of the scheme, graduate Josh Alexander will be joining Hilton Birmingham Metropole, Maija Burke will take up a role at Hilton Kensington, and Molly Byrne will begin work at Hampton by Hilton Bristol Airport.

The opportunities were secured following Easter work placements, arranged collaboratively by Aurora Foxes’ Transition Team and Hilton HR operations manager (UK & Ireland), Esther Brittan MBE.

“It was an honour to attend the graduation ceremony and celebrate the achievements of this year’s inspiring graduates,” Mr Cassidy said.

“It was great to see their confidence, resilience, and purpose, which will carry them a long way as they look to embark on a career in the hospitality industry.”

Stephen Cassidy addresses the graduation ceremony at Minehead Butlin’s

The hotels chief presented two new student awards at the event: the Waldorf Hilton Award for Service Excellence, won by Arianna Harkin; and a gong recognising culinary excellence, won by Ashley Garrard.

Later, the graduates, along with their family and friends, were treated to a Wild West-themed drinks reception at the college, with the day culminating in a disco at Minehead Rugby Club.

Foxes administration and marketing assistant Florence Whittaker, who led the organising team, said: “The feedback we had from the graduates and their families was incredibly positive.”

Aurora Foxes principal, Mark Costello, said it was a privilege to watch his students “learn, try, stumble, rise again, and achieve things some of you once thought was beyond your reach”.

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Several graduates from Aurora Foxes have secured roles with a range of local and national employers, while others have chosen to pursue apprenticeships, supported internships, or volunteering opportunities.

Mr Costello added: “These varied and meaningful destinations reflect the strength of the college’s transition support and the determination of its students to take confident steps into adulthood.

“Each pathway represents a significant achievement and a positive move towards greater independence and inclusion in the workplace and wider society.”

The full list of 2025 graduate award winners from Aurora Foxes is:

• Skills for Life Award: Ashley Garrard
• Progress Award: James Hamilton and Zoe Firth
• Work Ethic Award: Maija Burke
• Team Player Award: Josh Alexander
• Future Ready Award: George Warren
• Empowerment Award: Shelby Barlow and Lucy Edwards-Handley
• Resilience Award: Eli Bucher
• Quiet Leader Award: Kinvara Montgomerie
• Kindness and Good Friend Award (student-nominated): Hugo Gilmartin and Michael Torrens
• Outstanding Work Experience Award: George Warren, Sophie Haque, Maija Burke, Elissa Warren
• Hospitality Star Award: Faith West
• Work Ready/Life Ready Award: Arianna Harkin