"DISTINGUISHED guests, ladies and gentlemen, forget the Oscars, these are the most important awards this week."
These were the words of Franklin College principal Trevor Wray as he introduced the college's annual awards evening at Grimsby Town Hall.
Just days after the prestigious Academy Awards, the area's top sixth form college celebrated the brightest and best of its students in every subject and society.
There was barely a spare seat as proud staff, friends and family members watched the winners enjoy the fruits of their success.
Mr Wray, who has been principal since 2010, said: "If the last three years has taught me anything, it's how special the students are here at Franklin, and how well supported they are by both their families and by staff.
"I've come to appreciate the ambition and achievements of our students – supported by their families – both academically and in life.
"This was our opportunity to recognise and celebrate these achievements and focus on the hard work, the inspiration and the progress made by students."
In 2012, the college received its best set of A-level results in its 22-year history and the business and law academies it has set up in recent years have opened up new doors to students.
One of those is Tom Crump, 17, of Scartho, who picked up the Business Career Academy Award, as well as numerous others for his part in groups such as the Maths Challenge Team and the Debating Team.
But they weren't the only accolades he scooped this year – Tom has been awarded a place at St Hugh's College, Oxford University, where he will study economics and management from September.
"It's really nice to pick up the award but being a part of the career academy the college runs has been invaluable," he said.
"I've had the chance to speak to plenty of business leaders in the area while trying to persuade them to be a part of the academy – and they've been very supportive.
"I also had an internship at Linden Homes in Hull and without that and everything else I have done here, I might not be going to Oxford next year."
Proud mum Pauline, 52, said her son was "reticent" about his own achievements.
"I was immensely proud to see him pick up multiple awards – he has really thrown himself into every opportunity the college offers but stays very grounded as well," she said.
