Dawson Stelfox congratulates students

Dawson Stelfox congratulates students

20 November 2019

THIRTY one South Eastern Regional College students have been presented with Duke of Edinburgh awards by architect and explorer Dawson Stelfox.

The awards were presented recently to students who study at the further education college’s Downpatrick, Lisburn, Bangor and Newtownards campuses.

Mr Stelfox — who led and successfully completed an expedition to Everest — delivered the keynote speech and congratulated students on their success, wishing them well for the future.  

He said that starting the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme is the first step in a “lifetime of adventure and experience open to everyone.” 

Department of Education operations officer, Julie McGimpsey, said that by participating in the scheme, students have improved their physical fitness, developed new skills and been involved in a range of activities, donating over 2,000 hours of volunteering with a social value of £8,424 to helping their local community.  

“Each awardee has shown great determination, tenacity and dedication to achieve their goals,” she added.

Michelle Hickland, the college’s deputy head of school of Construction, Engineering Services and Skills for Work, said 173 students studying entry and level one programmes achieved part or all of the Duke of Edinburgh or Gaisce – The Irish President’s Awards, during during 2018/19.?? 

She continued: ”We are delighted with every award, poignant because many of these students had specific barriers to learning.? We are so proud of all they have achieved, reaching and exceeding personal goals.”