50 Students who shaped the year: 10-1

The Yorker introduces our fifty students who shaped the academic year 2011-2012. The students on this list have made it for a variety of reasons: some have been the focus of the news over the last twelve months (both positive and negative!), some have done extraordinary things and others have just done something small but had a big impact on someone else’s life.

Regardless of their reasons for being on this list, The Yorker feels it represents the breadth and depth of the interests and passions of our student body and highlights those who shaped the year.

Disagree with who we've picked? Think we've missed someone important? Then don't hesitate to leave a comment below to get involved with the debate.

10 - Fetish Society

Fetish Society caused a stir earlier this year when they approached YUSU for ratification.

However, despite objections from some students, the society was successfully ratified.

Speaking at the time, the society´s founder told The Yorker that the stigma the society faces is unfair, saying: “If you believe everyone owns their own body and are acting as consensual adults, how can their choice of sexual activities be wrong?"

Since ratification, Fetish Society has proved popular and a welcome addition to what the union has to offer, and already boasted over 20 members when setting up last term.

There is no doubt that no other society has been more news-worthy than the Fetish Society and it has remained an interesting talking point among students for the rest of the year.

9 - Emily Duncan

Duncan appears on this list for being the brains behind one of the more interesting student productions this year - the RAG naked calendar.

The calendar, which raised over £1,000 for RAG and the Union´s chosen charities, was featured in a Yorker story in December.

Since then, it has been one of our most popular stories and caused a real stir on campus.

At the time, Duncan told The Yorker: “A lot of teams and societies were very interested but some struggled to get the numbers and for others it was difficult to organise a time. In general we got a good response though!

"I had a lot of fun co-ordinating the calendar, it was something different and creative."

So, a success for RAG and a success for student ingenuity.

8 - Nell Beecham and Cat Wayland

Beecham and Wayland make this list for their unerring dedication to their beliefs and principles.

The former YUSU Women´s Officers were thrust into the spotlight earlier this year when there was a referendum calling for the Women´s Officer position to be changed to a Gender Equalities Officer.

Fighting robustly for their cause, Wayland and Beecham led a campaign which narrowly won, saving the Women´s Officers by just fifty votes.

Regardless of whether you agree or disagree with them, there can be no doubting that Beecham and Wayland have stood up for what they believe in and that´s certainly something to admire.

7 - Bob Hughes

After being elected into the position of YUSU Welfare Officer for a second year, Bob Hughes is undoubtedly one of the most popular and well-liked figures on campus.

His friendly and approachable nature makes him well-suited to his role of helping students and his achievements over the last 12 months highlight his dedication to doing so.

He has continually lobbied the university to improve the health centre and extend GUM clinic hours , as well as increasing awareness of welfare services and teaming up with the Women´s Officers to improve safety and lighting on campus.

If Hughes continues the way he has started, next year promises to be a very successful and fruitful one for himself and students alike.

6 - Ian Angell

When Ian Angell took over Comedy Society at the beginning of the year, it faced serious financial and organisational difficulties. One nominator described it as "basically dead" and "on the brink of extinction"

Yet Ian´s devotion, care and skill has completely revitalised the society, bringing back weekly shows, running numerous events in the Summer and organised the incredible 24 hours of comedy.

One nominator told The Yorker: "Ian devotes 3 nights every week and usually some of his weekend to Comedy Soc and is well loved by everyone in the society."

And thanks to Ian´s hard work, the improvisation comedy troupe The Shambles will be performing at the Edinbrugh fringe this year.

If the emotional farewell given to Ian on Comedy Soc´s last show is anything to go by, campus´ best society society chair will be sorely missed.

5 - Cem Turhan

During his time at university, Turhan has been involved in numerous aspects of student life - starting with student media, progressing onto Langwith Chair and then YUSU LGBT Officer.

His time as college cvhair proved successful and crucial as he was heavily involved in the planning and preparation for Langwith´s move to Heslington East, with meetings about accommodation and new facilities, including bars, all adding to his responsibilities.

Turhan stepped in as YUSU´s LGBT Officer for a term after Emma Brownbill resigned and launched himself whole-heartedly into the role. Most notably, Turhan organised a Marriage Equality Protest at York Minster, to which hundreds of students turned up to support gay marriage and the campaign made national headlines.

Overall, Turhan has proved his dedication and passion for students and their rights, and undeniably influenced campus activity this year.

4 - Sarah Pickles

It is simply impossible to overstate Sarah Pickle´s contribution to YSTV over the past year.

As former station director, it was her dedication and commitment of literally hundreds of hours which resulted in YSTV winning ´Best Broadcaster´ at the 2012 National Student Television Awards.

Whilst Pickles will rightly point to the team effort involved in winning the award, her overall management and hours spent in the edit room means that her effort and skill is almost unrivaled in York´s student media.

The new team at YSTV have a lot to be grateful to Sarah for and have an awful lot to live up to.

3 - James Wilson

Wilson´s penalty heroics provided Vanbrugh with victory in the College Sport´s most prestigious competition - the College Cup.

The Vanbrugh Firsts captain was one of the key factors in ensuring his college was crowned champions for the first time.

With both the final and the semi-final decided on penalties, Wilson played a pivotal role as he saved four and scored two across the shootouts. It was ultimately these saves which secured that maiden title.

When it comes to shaping the year, York has probably no other sportsman so influential. Wilson set the sports news this term.

2 - Kevin the Cow

The face of Nightlne, Kevin the Cow, has become a campus star since being introduced at the start of the year.

The mascot is an innovative and clever way to attract attention to Nightline and raise the profile of the group on campus - indeed, Nightline and Kevin won YUSU´s ´No Posters Promo Competition´ earlier this year after the postering ban.

With almost 500 friends on Facebook, Kevin the Cow is a popular presence and enjoys partying with students as well as encouraging them share their troubles and problems. Kevin helps to bring fun and laughter to students, earning himself this top two position.

1 - Kallum Taylor

Former Vanbrugh College Chair Taylor will be YUSU President for 2012-13 after his unforgettable yet down-to-earth campaign endeared him to thousands of students.

His ´Special K´ slogan, based on Kellogg´s, indicates his fun and inventive side while the hours, even days, he spent on campus speaking to students highlights his determination and ability to connect to students and address the issues closest to their hearts.

Taylor successfuly chaired Vanbrugh, the university´s largest college, for 12 months, with Volume events and Fresher´s week notable highlights.

He was also Vanbrugh College Thirds Football keeper as he enjoyed all aspects of university life - his involvement has made him a well-liked figure and his popularity will no doubt continue to grow as he takes on his new role.