Former Harlow College Business student Nishall Garala (19, from Harlow) has been awarded Second Place in this year's national Student of the Year awards.

The awards, from the Association of Colleges (AoC), highlight outstanding student achievement across the country. Nishall was one of three finalists shortlisted for their achievements, the others being eventual winner, Reece Taylor, 22, from Derwentside College and Rachael Watson, 42, from West Suffolk College.

What makes Nishall's personal achievement both remarkable and outstanding is that he achieved a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Business for which he was awarded the highest possible result – triple starred Distinctions, whilst also expending a great deal of time taking an active role in the Harlow College community.

As well as his course and work placement at Simmtronic Lighting Controls, Nishall was a Student Ambassador, Student Governor and an E-Learning Mentor. He is also dedicated to Harlow and its residents and institutions and shows tireless commitment and outstanding service by working as a volunteer with over 20 organisations. This has included:

Serving on Harlow Youth Council Being a Police Youth Ambassador with Harlow Police and works with them on projects including 'Love Harlow', and in building community relationships. Sitting on the Independent Advisory Group for Harlow Police and helped to author a report and recommendations on tackling anti-social behaviour in Harlow. Being actively involved in raising the profile of Hinduism and represents Hindus and young people in the local interfaith forum. Being Vice-Chair of the Waterhouse Moor Residents' Association and takes part in a range of neighbourhood initiatives. Representing young people on the Harlow Neighbourhood Action Panel

Alongside this, Nishall has mastered social media enthusiastically and is a blogger for local online newspaper yourharlow.com, writing articles targeted at young people that raise the profile of the College, Harlow and good causes.

AoC President John Widdowson, who led the judging panel, said: "Congratulations to Nishall on being named second in the Student of the Year award. His work in Harlow College and the local community is very deserving of this national recognition."

Nishall said of winning his award: "It's fantastic to have won Second Prize as Student of the Year from the AoC. Thank you everyone for the support!"