THREE students are proving to be a force to be reckoned with as they prepare to join the ranks of the military.
Uniformed Services students Chloe Dent, Alex Ryan and Laura Gallagher are set for lives in the Army and Navy inspired to do their duty by college life.
Chloe has secured an unconditional offer from Sandhurst as she pursues her dream to become an officer in the Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps.
Currently studying Level 3 Uniformed Public Services at Darlington College, the 17-year-old was recently recognised for her efforts at an annual awards ceremony.
“I have always been interested in the military,” said Chloe, of Northallerton, who picked up the curriculum manager’s award for Uniformed Services and Principal’s Student of the Year accolade.
“I have really enjoyed the course at Darlington College where the tutors have helped me realise that I could get into Sandhurst and I’m thrilled to have made it.”
Chloe will begin her 42-week officer training in March next year and leave Sandhurst as a second lieutenant.
Alex, 18, of Darlington, who attended St Aidan’s Academy before Darlington College, will train to become a combat medic at Pirbright Army Training Centre in Surrey.
She said: “It is something I have always fancied doing and I now feel I have the confidence to go through what is a very challenging recruitment process.”
Laura, 18, of Darlington, a former Carmel College student, is in the process of joining the Royal Navy to become a nurse.
“I have always wanted to be a nurse and being in the Navy would combine this ambition with my love of travel,” said Laura, who works part-time as a care assistant with Heritage Healthcare.
Their tutor Gary Paxton was delighted with their achievements. He said: “All three girls have shown a level of determination that will serve them well in the military. We are delighted that we have been able to give them an insight into military life and that this has inspired them into joining up. I am positive they will be assured of rewarding and fulfilling lives as a result.”