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Haywards Heath College students shine bright at Stars of 2024 

19 June 2024

Haywards Heath College celebrated incredible achievements and talent at their annual Star Awards ceremony last week.

More than 20 students and members of staff were presented with their accolades at the ‘Stars of 2024’ on Wednesday (13 June), with friends and family members thrilled to share these special moments in the audience. 


A range of show-stopping performances from the college’s talented dance, music and performing arts students provided some amazing entertainment. 

These jaw-dropping performances included renditions of ‘Always Starting Over’, Anne Marie’s ‘2002’, ‘Fame the Musical’, an acoustic version of ‘Everywhere, Everything’ and an expressive solo contemporary dance piece. 
 
The night rounded off with the most dazzling award of the night as Performing Arts superstar, Madeleine Swainson, secured the college’s Brightest Star of 2024. 
 
Madeleine has now come to the final year of her journey at Haywards Heath College and is delighted to have secured her unconditional offer at a Bird College, one of the UK’s leading colleges for musical theatre, dance, and drama. 

After changing her subjects from her first year, Madeleine expressed just how life changing being part of the dance and performing team at the college has been. 
 
Madeleine said: “I am honestly so excited and genuinely in disbelief to have won not only the Performing Arts Award but now the Brightest Star too. 

“I really do just enjoy what I do so to actually be awarded for this just makes all of my hard work and endless rehearsals worthwhile.” 

As well as securing her two awards, Madeleine also had the opportunity to perform a contemporary dance of ‘Hofesh Schector’ which left the crowd amazed by her flexibility and effortless rhythm. 

She added: “It is genuinely hard to express how life-changing this college has been for me. 

“I particularly want to shoutout to my amazing lecturer Yvonne who is always so positive and no matter how busy she is, she always has time for me and has pushed me and my abilities to another level.” 
 
Paul Riley, Principal of Haywards Heath College, presented the awards alongside Ben Frier, Vice Principal. Vicki Illingworth, Executive Principal and Deputy Chief Executive of the Chichester College Group, was invited to the finale to announce the Brightest Star. 
 
Paul said: “Our incredible annual Stars Awards always prove to be the perfect chance to show how much Haywards Heath College really does change the lives of our students. 
 
“We are so very proud of our talented students but also our dedicated staff as we would not be able to do it without their relentless efforts and positive attitudes that they bring to work every day. 


“A huge congratulations to every winner and Madeleine – your phenomenal performance showed us all how worthy you are of being our Brightest Star of 2024 and we wish you all the best with your performing career.” 

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